When Jesus ascended into heaven, He hadn’t finished the work He came into our world to do… and so, He’s coming back! At the time of His ascension, two white-robed men suddenly appeared and said to the eleven apostles… “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:10, 11).
 
In the three years Jesus was with His disciples He prepared them well for what was to come. On a number of occasions He informed them of His death, resurrection, ascension, and return. Knowledge and confidence of Jesus’ return was essential for His disciples to live with a steadfast hope and to continue with boldness in the work He had delegated to them.
 
Jesus’ band of chosen disciples were never short of questions. Upon hearing of His ascension they said to Him, “What sign will signal Your return?” (Matthew 24:3). Soon after a person surrenders their life to Christ, someone mature in the faith should where possible instruct the new believer as to how to live at the ready and to maintain a watchfulness… “for we do not know the day or hour of the Lord’s return” (Matthew 25: 13).
 
Although God the Father is the only One who knows the precise time of the Jesus’ return, the Lord gave His disciples four ‘signs’ that would indicate that His coming is close at hand. Occurring in succession, these signs are: In the World (wars, earth quakes, and famines), In the Church (universal persecution, love for God will grow cold, world-wide proclamation of the Gospel by remaining believers), In the Middle East (the anti-Christ will position himself in the Jewish Temple and will proclaim himself to be God), and In the Sky (the sun, moon, and stars will cease to give light… Matthew 24) It’s my belief we are at the 1 3/4 stage of the 4 signs.
 
Friends, the Book of Revelation was expressly written for believers, not unbelievers. The purpose of the book is to prepare believers for the serious judgements of God that have been determined for this world (Revelation 14:12, 13). While these judgements cannot be prevented, we can be ready for them.
 
Of the 735 biblical predictions of different events that will take place in the world, one is predicted 318 times… The most frequently mentioned prediction of all is that Jesus Christ who lived on earth 2,000 years ago is coming back to planet earth. Two questions for you to consider: Are you ready right now for His coming? Are you keeping a constant watch of the signs of His return? Jesus said, “Yes, I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:20).
 
Best wishes
Bill Joukhadar