Telling Signs

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matthew 24:42)

Hummingbirds are little beauties, so delicate yet fierce when feeding. Seldom are there more than two at a feeder because they usually fight each other off. They don’t play well at sharing the sweet nectar until migration time; it isn’t unusual to have several birds perched on each feeder while swarms of them are waiting a turn. What is it that prompts them to swarm? Their God-given barometer warns them that cooler weather is soon approaching, so they prepare themselves for their long trek South.

The twelve disciples came to Jesus privately and asked about signs of the end times (Matthew 24:3). Jesus began His reply with a warning to guard against deceivers claiming to be Christ and deceive many. He told them of the events that would precede His second coming, including wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, famines, pestilences (i.e., Covid-19), earthquakes, which were only the beginning of sorrows (vs. 4–8). Do these events sound an alarm to pay attention to the signs we witness today?

Jesus had already informed His disciples of His death, burial, and resurrection. In this conversation, He instructed them of His return one day, that only the Father knew when that day would be (vs. 36, 42), and that we should “be ready” (v. 44). How do we ready ourselves for His return? First, understand that some of us will not be here when that day arrives; today may be the appointed day to draw our last breath—so it is crucial to be prepared right now, this moment. How do we prepare ourselves to see Jesus? “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). Receiving the gift of Jesus will assure you of an eternal heavenly home.

Swarming hummingbirds know what to do to survive their migration journey. You know how to prepare for your journey into eternity. The signs of Jesus’ imminent return are clear, and we have no guarantee of another moment on this earth. Don’t delay doing what you know must be done to live forever with God, your Creator.