I’ve been pondering it for days. Years really. For every time I read Matthew 24, I come away thinking, I don’t clearly understand.

But this time, as I work through commentaries and pray through it all, one suggestion strikes me as certainly plausible.

Perhaps the Word, Jesus, in talking about the Second Coming is intentionally a bit vague here.

For after talking about signs of His return, He even tells us, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (Matt 24:36)

But, these signs He speaks of are recognizable enough, attributable enough, to current events—perhaps so that every generation surely has sufficient suspicion that the days may indeed be short.

Oh, I know we debate when the End Of Days will happen. My review of various commentaries makes it clear that even theologians do not agree about the meaning of Matthew 24.

And most of us have heard debate about being pre-trib, mid-trib, or post-tribulation with regards to the rapture of the Church. Personally, I’m sure hoping it’s pre-trib but I still can see reasons for each possibility.

So, what are we to do with Matthew 24 and prophecy?

I certainly think we are to slow down and study it. However, we should not study it with an intent to bolster our eschatological position, but instead we should come away an increased sense of urgency that the Day of the Lord will come quickly and unexpectedly for most.

As we look at world events, we should recognize the birth pains of our Lords return (they are evident, don’t you think?) and we should be about our Master’s business. Jesus told us this too (Matt 24:45-51).

Yes, there is much to study and be gleaned from this famous chapter about the End Times. I’m digging though it again today. And as I do, I’m even more convinced that the Word is a “lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 118:105).

And prophecy—it’s worthy of our attention, it should cause us to keep our lives in perspective. But it should also truly encourage us that our God is at work doing just what He said He would do! May our feet follow Him and May our hearts trust Him!

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