Know the Season

    Sunday, September 22 was the start of a new season.  One cannot tell by the weather (at least in Southern California), that it is supposed to be Fall, even though it said so on the calendar.  In some parts of the country, the leaves of the trees are already turning the bright orange, red, and yellow colors of Autumn, creating a beautiful tapestry. 

    The return of Jesus is just the opposite.  Jesus said, “No one knows the day or the hour of His return, not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself.  Only the Father know” (Matthew 24:36).  However, Jesus still warns us to recognize the season of events as they begin to happen so you can be sure that His return is very near, right at the door (Mark 13:29 NLT).

    Unfortunately, many Christians are either not aware of Bible prophecy, or they are indifferent to the Last Days prophetic events that Jesus guarantees their fulfillment.  Then there are the scoffers in the last days who argue, “Where is the promise of His coming?  Why, as far back as anyone can remember I have heard this” (2 Peter 3:3-4).  The Lord isn’t being slow about His promise to return, as some people think.  No, He is being patient for your sake.  He does not want anyone to perish, so He is giving more time for everyone to repent.  But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief (2 Peter 3:9-10 NLT).  Therefore, it is vitally important that you are always ready!  KNOW THE SEASON!

    Let’s take a brief look at just a few of the signs of the times – the season we are in now.  First of all, the Rapture of the Church is the next major event on the prophetic time line.  There are events currently happening, as well as things continuing to get worse in the world that set the stage for the Tribulation and the Antichrist.  But not one of them is a prerequisite for The Great Catching Away, known as the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).  Matthew 24 is a good example of things that will get worse in the Tribulation period.  Don’t get lulled into thinking, “It’s not that bad yet.  I will get right with God when it’s worse”.  Wake up!  It already is!  Look at Matthew 24:6-7:

You shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; nation shall rise against nation...

 Today, there are more than 110 armed conflicts in the world.

 and there shall be famines, … 

An estimated 37.2 million people across 47 countries will be in emergency or worse levels of acute food insecurity in 2024, and require immediate emergency assistance to save lives and livelihoods. 

WFP Global Operational Response Plan: Update #11 – June 2024  

And pestilences…    

Over 95% of the world's population has health problems, with over a third having more than five ailments.

(This is not including Covid or other mutant viruses). ScienceDaily.Jun 8, 2015 

 And earthquakes…

 In the span of 12 months in 2023, a staggering 15,600 earthquakes were detected. Among these, 19 seismic events reached a significant magnitude of 7.0 or higher, 128 were between magnitudes 6.0 and 6.9, and 1,637 registered magnitudes between 5.0 and 5.9. WFP Global Operational Response Plan: Update #11 – June 2024

 Matthew 24 can be summarized as a lesson to be ready and watchful for the return of Jesus Christ.  

KNOW THE SEASON!

The events of Matthew 24 are clearly evident of the end times.  Now here are descriptions of immoral people that are becoming more apparent in today’s society:

“You should know this,Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT2).

50% of Americans say the state of moral values is poor; 37% say only fair; 78% think moral values in the U.S. are getting worse.  Consideration of others was cited as the top problem with the state of moral values. Gallup

    Things are obviously getting worse, but let me reiterate the level of severity of events and the moral decay of people will not trigger the Rapture or any other end time prophecies.  These are signposts shouting out to you to GET READY; BE READY.  Realize the Holy Spirit did not tell you these things to scare you – but to prepare you.

    Therefore, be ready because today could be the day the trumpet will sound and those alive in Christ will be caught up.  If you are not sure you are ready, you had better get right or get left (behind).  You can do this by denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly, while you look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:12-13).  Then be ready each and every day because that “Day” will come as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). 

No one knows the day or the hour, but now you can exactly –

KNOW THE SEASON.