Be on Your Guard -Matthew 24

Today, we witness geopolitical tensions, civil conflicts, and natural disasters occurring with greater frequency and intensity, signalling the fulfilment of the prophecies, just as Jesus foretold in Matthew 24:6-7. The Bible predicts that in the last days, people will become lovers of themselves—lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure—rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1–5). We see these characteristics becoming increasingly prevalent in society today, indicating a departure from God’s principles. The advancement of technology and the interconnectedness of the world through globalisation fulfil prophecies about knowledge increasing and the gospel being preached to all nations before Christ’s return (Daniel 12:4, Matthew 24:14).The re-establishment of Israel as a nation in 1948 fulfils biblical prophecies concerning the restoration of the Jewish people to their homeland (Ezekiel 37:21–22, Luke 21:24). a significant milestone in God’s prophetic timeline and sets the stage for the fulfillment of further end-time prophecies. Despite the prevailing darkness, there are reports of spiritual revival and awakening in various parts of the world, with people turning to God in unprecedented numbers. This revival aligns with biblical promises of a pouring out of the Holy Spirit in the last days (Joel 2:28–29, Acts 2:17–21), indicating that God is still at work and preparing His people for Christ’s return.

Imagine driving through a treacherous mountain pass at night, with a sheer drop on one side and jagged rocks on the other. Your heart races as you navigate each twist and turn, relying on the dim glow of your headlights to guide the way. Suddenly, you see a sign warning of a sharp curve ahead, and just in time, you slow down and navigate the bend safely. On this journey, you’re grateful for the guardrails that keep you from veering off course and the signs that alert you to potential dangers ahead. Just as a driver relies on guardrails and signs for safe passage, we must stay spiritually alert and heed the signs of Christ’s imminent return.

Jesus teaches us to be vigilant and prepared for His return, likening it to a homeowner being ready for a thief (Matthew 24:42–44). Just as a homeowner stays vigilant to protect their house, we must stay spiritually alert for Christ’s return. Jesus compares the signs of His return to the budding of a fig tree, indicating the arrival of summer (Matthew 24:32–35). Like we recognise the signs of changing seasons, we must discern the signs of Christ’s imminent return through the events happening around us. Jesus warns of persecution and encourages endurance, promising a reward for faithfulness (Revelation 2:10). Like early Christians who faced persecution, we may endure trials, but our faithfulness will be rewarded with eternal life. Jesus warns of false messiahs and prophets who will deceive many with signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24). Just as counterfeit money deceives because it closely resembles genuine currency, false teachings can lead those not grounded in God’s Word astray.

Jesus describes His return as lightning flashing across the sky (Matthew 24:27). Like lightning catching our attention, Christ’s return will be unmistakable and visible to all.
Despite tribulations, we are more than conquerors through Christ’s love (Romans 8:37). Like a victorious athlete wearing a victor’s crown, we too claim victory through Christ’s sacrifice. Peter warns of the coming judgement, likening it to the suddenness of a thief’s arrival (2 Peter 3:10). Just as a thief catches us off guard, the day of judgement will come unexpectedly for those unprepared. Paul cautions that Christ’s return will be sudden, like labour pains for a pregnant woman (1 Thessalonians:2–3). Like labour pains signalling imminent childbirth, the signs of the times indicate Christ’s imminent return; we must be prepared.