Watching the launch of a rocket via television is exciting, but there is absolutely nothing that takes the place of being at Cape Canaveral, in person, to watch a ‘live’ launch! Many attend church services each week and hear about the return of Christ, but that is no comparison to seeing the signs happening that is outlined in our Scripture today, and looking up as you begin to see the arrival of our Lord, in person! Stay tuned as we meditate on this Scripture today.
DATE WRITTEN: Wednesday, 2021-06-16
WRITTEN AT: Florence, IN
BY: Ed Algreen
SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 13:24-27
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)
BIBLE TEXT: 24-25 As Isaiah said in the days after that great suffering, The sun will refuse to shine, and the moon will hold back its light. The stars in heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then you will see (as Daniel predicted) “the Son of Man coming in the clouds,” clothed in power and majesty. 27 And He will send out His heavenly messengers and gather together to Himself those He has chosen from the four corners of the world, from every direction and every land.
APPLICATION: I once visited Cape Canaveral, Florida, for the scheduled launch of a spacecraft. There were many others present who, like me, wanted to experience the actual launch up close. About an hour before the scheduled launch, Wildlife officers came around to make sure that there were no alligators in the ditches, and that spectators were all at a distance from ditches. This was due to past experience that taught the officers that alligators jump right out of ditches when they hear the loud noice of the spacecraft engines and feel the earth trembling underneath them from the force of the engine thrust. Watching via television would not show, or allow you to experience, any of that just revealed, will it? Now let’s look at the Biblical account shared in our Scripture today. Some translations say that the mentioned events will happen after the tribulation, some say after false messiahs and/or prophets appear in the temple pretending to be Jesus. Our Scripture in Mark, confirms what Isaiah prophesied about, and also what the prophet Daniel foretold. Although I was touched by the whole passage, the part that the Holy Spirit really touched me is that, everyone will see the signs spoken of that announces the return of Christ. Yes, even that son whose mother has tried for years to have him attend church with her. Even that daughter who said that her dad’s religion is not for her. Even that dad who refused to stop drinking long enough to tenderly watch how his kids had accepted Jesus as their Savior and experienced a total transformation in their lives. Even more challenging is the fact that everyone will see loved ones, who are ready for the return of Christ, suddenly disappear as the angels collect God’s chosen ones. I know, some are thinking that I am overly dramatizing the message today to frighten those who have chosen to ignore the lordship of Jesus Christ. But I encourage you to think positive my friend because, for the believer, this is a very exciting time – the return of our Lord and Savior, just like He said He would, to take His bride (the Church – all believers in Jesus Christ) with Him to our eternal home! That’s more exciting than anything that has ever happened in my lifetime precious friend! But I certainly understand how an unbeliever would feel, for all along they have not been convinced to follow Christ, accept Him as Lord, or join us Christians in celebrating our risen Lord each week. This would be devastating for our family and friends who fit this description. But to all my readers today, this is yet another reminder to you that Jesus is alive and well, and that He will return one day, and I believe we will soon see the signs mentioned in our Scripture. Today you still have a choice. Can I encourage you to accept Jesus as Lord today, please? This is the only time promised to you, tomorrow may be too late. Consider reading my Footnote, and especially click on the link ‘To Know Jesus’, for more information on how you can change your destiny right now. I would also be thrilled to pray with you, if you would drop me a note!
BLESSING(S) NOTED: No matter how awful this world seems to get each day, there is a day coming – a day when we will see the signs of our Savior’s return, then we will see Him face-to-face! Oh glorious day!
PRAYER: I love that chorus ‘What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see’! Having been reminded of the nearness of time, and the signs of the time, I am about ready to spend more time outside looking up, for my redemption is nigh, praise to the Almighty! Thank You Lord for that assurance, and thank You for the provision so that we could be ready when You decide to come and take Your bride away with You. Please dear Lord, speak intently to those who have chosen to do life their own way – the ones who find no time for You. Please use Your Word today to convince them of their sin; convince them of the nearness of the end of time here on earth, and convince them of the only way to enjoy heaven when they can no longer live as they want here on earth. AMEN!