1/4 Matthew 24:27

²⁷ "For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."

Many believe that the kingdom of God comes in quietly as the world slowly converts to Jesus. They believe that once the world is full of people filled with the Spirit of God then the world will know the invisible reign of Christ. That may be true in an individual's life, but certainly it is not what the prophets predicted, nor is it what Christ taught.

Jesus is not coming back in secret. He won't come again in the humble state of a baby. He is coming in glory and every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). He is coming in power to execute judgment on the earth (Matthew 16:27). Though the world's armies gather to resist Him (Revelation 19:19), they will be consumed by the breath of His mouth (Isaiah 11:4). Many will come to Christ before His return, but many more will reject Him (Matthew 7:13). To reject Christ is to reject Him as the way to the Father. It is a rejection of grace, mercy, and truth.

The prophet Amos told those who were looking forward to the Day of the Lord that it would not be what they expected (Amos 5:18). We can only look forward to that day if we have made Jesus the Lord of our lives and repented of our selfish ways. Jesus' second coming is as sure as His first. The Father alone knows the day (Matthew 24:36). We should live every day as if He is coming today.

Consider: What would you change if you knew Jesus was coming today?