Lightning from the east

Back in the 70s' the second coming of Christ and His soon return were very much emphasised. It sparked off the fuse for the sharing of the gospel because Christians back then literally believed Jesus' return could happen anytime! Today, this emphasis is no longer. Christians are very much distracted by the internet age (as is the world) and evangelism has lost its momentum. Coupled with this self-love age, the soon coming of Jesus Christ is far from the minds of Christians. Nevertheless, the fact still remain. Jesus is coming back soon! Let's just hope we don't fall under the category of five foolish virgins in the parable. Their unpreparedness and taken-for-granted attitude cost them the banquet! As for me personally, I am still of the hope that Jesus will come in my life time. He has to come sometime. So I am hoping it's during my life time. Foolish of me? I'd rather be ready than be left behind. AND I have my reasons for my belief. One of which I want to share with you today. An end-time prophecy as spoken of by Jesus.

32Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. 33So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near,d right at the door. 34Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. 35Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. (Matthew 24)

Israel was depicted here as the fig tree. It was prophesied that Israel will cease to exist until such a time when God Himself will gather them back as a nation. After AD 70 most of the people of Israel were expelled from their land and Israel ceased to function as a nation. For almost 2000 years, they wandered, were persecuted, murdered and ultimately the Holocaust when European Jews were systematically hunted down and eliminated. In 1948, true to God's word, the fig tree budded. It's branches may still be tender but it's sprouting leaves. Read again the above verses. Who is "this generation"? This next verse is going to imply the very possibility that Jesus was speaking about our time today.

"For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man" (v. 27)

The gospel was birthed in Jerusalem. From there it went westward and travelled the globe and is headed (or has) back to Jerusalem. It's amazing how Israel became a nation in 1948 just when the gospel was heading back to where it all began! From Jerusalem in the West, you can see the gospel coming from the East! Twice the apostle Paul had wanted to take the gospel eastward towards Asia but God forbade. So from west to east, it's now returning like "lightning" from east and seen in the west! All these prophecies coming to pass IN OUR TIME!

There are other major prophecies regarding Jesus' soon return such as Revelation 9 and 13. Like I mentioned earlier, I am hoping for Jesus' return in my lifetime. All the sign that were not yet in place during the apostles' time are unfolding before our very eyes today. I am hopeful. Are you? If you are not, think about this ...

36No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,e but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. 39And they were oblivious, until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left (Matt 24).

MARANATHA!!!