Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.”

In the verses following, Jesus really lays it on the line. No believer can honestly say, “This isn’t what I signed up for.” This fits perfectly with the very succinct warning Jesus gave in the Upper Room Discourse: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Here, He specifies some of the “trouble” we can expect: wars, natural disasters, persecution to the point of martyrdom. That’s no picnic! This verse, and verses 5 and 11, indicate that we have to be careful to listen to the Holy Spirit, rather than to what people around us are saying. Right now, many people seem to have a heightened expectation of Christ’s return. That’s not at all a bad thing, but the problem is all the “prophetic” voices that are popping up on the Internet, forecasting specific times and supernatural events. If they give a specific date for Christ’s return, we can be absolutely certain it won’t be then, because Jesus already stated that clearly, in verse 36! The point is, we are to be ready spiritually for Him to return today, even, but be focused on personal faithfulness in whatever He has told us to do. Jesus also said, “It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns,” in verse 46 of this same chapter. We need to take this whole chapter to heart and eagerly look forward to Christ’s return, without trying to specify in our own minds when and how it’s going to happen.

This has essentially been my attitude for as long as I can remember. I have told people for many years that we are to plan and live as though we will live to 100, and at the same time be prepared, emotionally and spiritually, for Him to take us home today. I would not be surprised in the least if Christ returns during my natural lifetime, but I would also not be surprised if He takes me home before His return. Paul said that’s no big deal! (1 Thessalonians 4:15) Right now there are people tied in all sorts of knots over Iran, which has made them forget Ukraine, which was the last thing they were upset about. We aren’t to take wars and natural disasters lightly, but we are to see them all in the perspective of eternity, and our almighty, loving God. Some people have thought I was callous, but I am sharply aware that our time on earth is limited, and it is to be used to draw closer to our Creator and to lead others to do the same. Whatever else happens is merely incidental.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all You are doing throughout the world, whatever Your timeline or schedule might be. Help me be faithfully obedient, whatever You lead me through, so that Your plans for me may be fulfilled on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!