Matthew 24:33 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. (NIV)
A few cane poles, a bucket of bait worms, a jug of water and some sandwiches, and she was ready to go. But not before checking the signs.
My maternal grandmother was a fisherman. She sold fish for personal money and even paid for my mother’s piano lessons with fish money. She could sit on the Santee River all day, but she would never leave her house if the signs were unfavorable.
Since I loved the outdoors and farm life, I spent as much time with her as possible. Neither of us could swim, but we would fish on the big water and never think of drowning. But we never went if the signs weren’t right. When I said, “Let’s go fishing,” Grandmammy would walk out on the wraparound porch and look at the signs.
She studied the clouds to see if any looked angry and contained the seeds for a storm. She felt the wind against her skin. If it was from the East, she suggested we stay home.
Fishing was more than a hobby for Grandmammy. It was part of her livelihood, and there was no use wasting her time if the signs weren’t right.
As Jesus left the Temple, he informed his disciples of a time when the Temple and surrounding buildings would be destroyed. They wanted to know what signs would precede his coming and the end of the world, so he listed a few-deception, imposters, wars, famines, earthquakes, imprisonment, death, and betrayal. As a budding fig tree signaled summer’s approach, so these signs would the nearness of his return.
I sometimes grow weary of signs, especially prior to elections. They clutter our highways and interstates. But advertisers understand their importance. And Jesus has advertised the signs of his return so we can be ready when he comes. He desires a relationship with us followed by obedience from us.
Jesus is watching now and retuning soon. Let him help you prepare so you’ll recognize the signs when they appear.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, enable us to see the signs of Your coming that we might be prepared to meet You. www.morningliteministry.com
Read more articles by Martin Wiles or search for articles on the same topic or others.
