Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 17:20-37
Remember that one of the problems the Jewish leaders had in believing Jesus was the Messiah was because of their interpretation of the Old Testament prophecies.
So, they asked Jesus “when are you going to establish your Kingdom?”
Jesus replied that the Kingdom of God was already happening. He was talking about the people who had already accepted Him as their Messiah. Then He begins to teach about the 2nd coming when He will establish His earthly Kingdom.
Luke 17:22 says that He is going away for a while. Then He says that people will report seeing Him or predict the date of His coming. This still happens today! Why should we not believe them?
Jesus says that when He returns, He will be visible like lightning across the sky and everyone will see Him at the same time.
But first, He must die on the cross and go away.
Then He gives two Old Testament examples that are pictures of what it will be like when He returns. The first picture is that of Noah, the other is of Lot. You may be familiar with Noah's story. But just in case you are not, it's found in Genesis 6-8.
Read Genesis 6:5
God sent the world-wide flood to destroy the earth and all its inhabitants except for Noah and his family (8 people total). What was the world like when God sent the flood?
Lot's story is found in Genesis 19:1-26.
Read Genesis 18:20-21
God sent fire and brimstone to destroy two cities during Abraham's time. What was the reason given for the destruction?
Luke 17:37: The disciples asked, “Where?” Do you think they were asking where people will be taken – or do you think they were asking where would Jesus return?
Did Jesus answer either question?
Not really. What did Jesus say and what does it mean?
I believe that Jesus is saying. “Look for the signs of my coming.” In nature, you know the signs. If you see a lot of vultures together – you know there is a dead animal. Just like “signs” in the earthly world, you need to know the “spiritual signs” of His coming.
What signs?
I think the most important sign from these two examples from the Old Testament was the moral corruption of the people. Do you see moral corruption in our world today?
It seems to be getting worse every year. I believe we are fast approaching the time when Jesus will return to earth a 2nd time – maybe even today!
When Jesus is revealed next time, how fast will it happen?
Based on these verses (Luke 17:20-37), you won't have time to prepare!
What is Jesus emphasizing in Luke 17:34-35?
At Jesus' 2nd coming, He will take all His followers (those who have invited Him into their God-shaped vacuum) to Heaven. But it won't be based on nationality, race, religion, denomination, or anything else. It will be based solely on whether you are ready. To be ready, you must invite Jesus into your core. It's that simple. But when Jesus returns, there won't be time – it will be too late if you haven't already invited Him in.
We'll talk more about the 2nd coming later.
In His service, dale
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