Four weeks ago, I discussed, in an article entitled “Earthquakes, Diseases and War; Oh My!!!” the first part of Matthew 24. We learned from the text in Matthew 24, that Jesus is asked two questions and then He answers them in the same order as asked. In verses 1 – 35 Jesus prophecies concerning the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. There is no doubt according to verse 35 who this message is to. It was to those Jews who would live to see the events of that destruction unfold. There is no possibility that this prophecy could be applied to the second coming of Jesus.

However, Jesus does answer the second question concerning His second coming. How we apply His prophecy is of grave importance. According to verse 36, Jesus will come unexpectedly. In other words, neither man nor angels will have this knowledge; only God the Father knows. It is inconsistent to apply the first 35 verses to the second coming of Christ if no man knows of His return.

In verses 37-39, Jesus likens His return to the days of Noah and the great flood. In those days people were engaged in their daily lives; they were too busy in their day to day lives, and in their wickedness to watch for God and His judgment that Noah had prophesied. We thus can expect that it will be the same when the Son of Man returns, many will live in oblivion until it is too late to respond to the message of God.

In verses 42-51 we learn the importance of hearing and obeying the Word of Christ. Jesus impresses upon us the importance to be ready for His coming. If we are concerned about the eternal destiny of our souls, we have no other option than to continually be prepared for that eventual day. Did you ever do anything when you were younger that you thought you would get away with because mom and dad were gone? Only to be surprised when they unexpectedly returned and caught you red handed. Like the child who involved himself in mischief and assumed he could get away with his actions so it will be with men who are living in sin when Jesus returns. They will be caught by surprise in their sin.

Not knowing the time that Christ returns speaks volumes to those who truly want to please God. The truth is that we do not know if He will come in our lifetime or sometime in the distant future. Either way, we do not want to step into eternity with the stains of sin on our souls. We, therefore, must be prepared. Are you prepared to “Meet thy God?” Have you obeyed the gospel of Christ? If you desire to obey then why not Hear the Word of God – Rom. 10:17, Believe in Jesus – John 3:16, Repent of your sins – Acts 2:38, Confess Jesus before men – Matt. 10:32-33, Be Baptized for remission of sins – 1 Peter 3:20-21; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Gal. 3:27, and Remain Faithful – Rev. 2:10, Titus 2:10.

(Tony Hoss is minister at Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton)