Sign of the Times

“Order for Mike?” the young girl asked.

I shook my head. “No. Frank.”

“Yeah,” she replied.

Never mind that neither was really my name but just a temporary pseudonym employed to expedite my order. Why the local burger joint needed a name that they didn’t bother to verify is puzzling to me.

Why not give them my real name?

Ever tried giving someone your foreign sounding name at a drive thru? Think about it. They’re struggling with Mike and Frank.

Sign of the times.

Like most of the total solar eclipse fandom around here, my temporal battle with giving my name at fast food drive thrus isn’t what a post titled “Sign of the Times” caused you to stop scrolling and stop to read my post.

Yep. Monday there will be a total solar eclipse hovering over several parts of North America, including my home city of Dallas, Texas.

Terri and I will both be off, sitting in our backyard watching the whole event. Well—at least as best possible given the predicted cloudy conditions.

What if we, as Christians, focused as much energy on the Second Coming?

What if we turned our attention on trying to understand and explore the various signs and events leading up to the Second Coming of Christ?

After all, isn’t Jesus’ return what we as believers are praying for—-or are we more interested in living our best life now?

The Scriptures, particularly in the New Testament, outline several crucial signs and critical occurrences that are believed to precede the Second Coming of Christ. These signs are intended to serve as markers to help us, as believers, discern the times and prepare our hearts for what is promised yet to come.

Here are some of the significant signs mentioned in the Bible:

1. Deception and False Prophets: Jesus warned that in the last days, many would come in His name, claiming to be the Christ and leading many astray. False prophets—[like many of those presiding over highly successful and influential mega-churches] —will perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even God’s elect (Matthew 24:4-5, 24).
2. Wars and Rumors of Wars: The Bible warns believers that the world will witness an increase in conflicts, wars, and rumors of wars. Turned on the news lately? At times, it seems the whole world is mired in constant conflict. The Bible teaches us that nations will rise against nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms, signifying a period of global unrest and turmoil (Matthew 24:6-7).
3. Natural Disasters: There will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. These natural disasters are described as the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:7-8). Again—have you watched the news lately?
4. Persecution of Believers: Followers of Christ will face persecution, hatred, and betrayal, even by their own family members. This period will test the faith of many believers (Matthew 24:9-10). That’s why understanding the End Times and the Second Coming are important. If we don’t pay attention, we risk not being prepared.
5. The Spread of the Gospel: What seems like an insurmountable challenge, the Bible makes it clear that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. Only after this will the end come (Matthew 24:14).
6. The Abomination of Desolation: Jesus refers to a prophecy from Daniel, speaking of the ‘abomination of desolation’ standing in the holy place. This event is a significant sign of the end times, prompting those in Judea to flee to the mountains (Matthew 24:15-16; Daniel 9:27). Where will you go when there is no place to hide?
7. Great Tribulation: Scripture warns us that a period of unparalleled suffering and tribulation will occur, such as has not been seen since the beginning of the world and never will be again. This will be a time of testing for all people on earth (Matthew 24:21).
8. Cosmic Disturbances: Before the coming of the Son of Man, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Matthew 24:29). Now do you understand why some people in your church, small group, or community group are freaking out about Monday’s pending total eclipse of the Sun?
9. The Coming of the Son of Man: Finally, just at the right time and as promised, Christ will return in glory, visible to all, coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will send His angels to gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (Matthew 24:30-31).

These signs, along with others mentioned throughout the New Testament, serve as a guide for us to remain vigilant, prayerful, and steadfast in our faith.

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is important, however, to approach these signs with wisdom and discernment, understanding that the exact timing of these events is known only to God. As Jesus Himself said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). Therefore, our focus should be on living lives that reflect the teachings of Christ, being prepared at all times for His return.

When Jesus returns, will you be ready?

Don’t forget to tell somebody about Jesus!

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™