Signs of the Times & Famous Last Words - Examining Matthew 24 (How Long Do We Have Left??) by Jan L. Burt
What words would I want to put down on paper (or on virtual paper via, say, a blog post) if I knew they would be my last and final words?
What would the Lord want me to say?
What words would matter most?
People’s last words may be carefully chosen and well-listened to. Planned out and penned with intention and care and focus.
I do not pretend to know when my very last opportunity to write, to speak, to share will be. God alone knows such things, and none of us will ever be able to answer the question of “How long?”. And so we probably need to weigh our words carefully and say the things that are most important sooner rather than later.
Lately, there are some words that have been on my heart and mind. Words from Matthew chapter 24 and Luke chapter 21 and some portions of the book of Daniel. Even some things written in the book of Revelation have been at the forefront of my mind.
There are things happening in the world that were foretold in these books of the Bible. And while it is true that no man knows the hour or the day when the Son of God, Jesus, will make His promised return, it seems foolish to call myself a believer & a disciple of Jesus and not pay attention to the exact things He clearly told His followers to be on the lookout for.
I know for certain there are wars and rumors of wars happening right now.
I know there are people saying things in His Name all over the world wide web.
I know that nations are rising against other nations.
I know that there are famines and earthquakes in various places.
Jesus said that these are the beginning of birth pains (see Matthew 24:8).
I know that people all over the world are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. And I know that those who follow Jesus and believe the words in the Bible to be true are hated.
I know that many have turned away from faith in Jesus and many have betrayed and hated one another, and I know that many false prophets have appeared and are deceiving many.
There is, right now, a great increase of wickedness in this world. It is everywhere, all around us, and it is both intense and growing in intensity. I know that the love of many is growing cold.
And I know that there are Christians who work tirelessly to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God to the entire world.
I know that as lightening comes from the east and is visible even in the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, be.
Jesus said this regarding such times: “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know His return is very near, right at the door.” (see Matthew 24:32-33)
He also said this: “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.” (see Matthew 24:37-39)
And He spoke these words, also: “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (see Matthew 24:42-44)
I know it to be the truth that many, many people do not know Jesus as their Savior and I think, in light of all these things, I would want to share about Him if I knew these were my last words.
Evil is real. And it is not getting any less real. There is a level of wickedness in the world that is horrifying. This world does not feel “safe” for most people. That’s because it isn’t safe!
But there is a path to safety - and that path is Jesus. He said the road to destruction is broad but the road that leads to life is narrow and few find it. Be one of those few. Link arms with the few that are on the narrow road.
Grab a Bible and start reading - use a Bible app if you don’t have a print Bible. Start with the book of John in the New Testament. Pray and ask God to show you whether or not He is real and see what you discover as a result of that prayer. Yield the throne of your heart to Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you every single day.
And when the wars and rumors of wars increase - and they will increase! - you will find yourself in that place of safety, walking that narrow path, with the Lord’s help in every circumstance and situation. Life won’t be perfect on this earth. But when Jesus is the Lord of your life, you have the guarantee of a perfect life with Him that will last for eternity.
The best thing I ever did was give my messed-up life to Jesus and ask Him to do something with it - whatever He wanted to do, that’s all I wanted. God is not a respecter of persons; what He has done for me, He will do for you.
Please don’t wait one day longer to turn to Jesus.
Today could be the first day of your new life.
Today could be the most important day of your life, now & forever.
Today could be the last day before He returns.
What will you do with this day? And what would your last words be?
~ Jan L. Burt
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