Encord Post: As the winter approaches in many areas of the world, plants, animals begin to prepare for the change in the climate of their home. In the American midwest, the leaves on many trees change color and fall from their branches. The Canada Geese first fly in circles and then most head south for the season. The Juncos, small sparrow-like birds are the last to leave where I live and the first to arrive in Spring. When these things happen, you can expect winter weather and cold will not be far behind.
The date Christ’s return is unknown to us. Jesus taught that even he did not know when it will happen — only the Father in Heaven. (Matthew 24:36) Yet we do know Jesus’ return is near. He told his disciples that they know summer is near when the fig tree starts to grow leaves. They knew — and we know — that time is growing short because we see the signs of the times that the Lord gave them.
Yet the signs of the times are not specific events, nor are they like variables in some prophecy algebra problem — you know — insert the invention of television, the establishment of the modern nation of Israel, the identity of the anti-Christ and the use of bar codes and then you know the year of Christ’s return. These signs are like those that identify the season — they tell us the kind of times that we live in. These signs tell us the world is passing away.
Since Jesus told his disciples they would see these signs in their generation, what is taking so long? Over two thousand years does not seem like soon — at the very gates — to us. St. Peter explains this to us. The return of Christ is not measured on our human calendar. It is on God’s scale. For the Father, a thousand years passes like a day passes for us. (2 Peter 3:8-9)
We have a similar experience. When we are on a long trip with young children, they often ask: “are we there yet?” We say, “soon.” But while an hour or two is soon for us, it is very long for the children! He waits for the last person who will be saved to repent. And we should be glad for it — it includes us!
Yet still we remain alert. We do not know when that day will come and the great marriage feast of the lamb will begin. We want to be ready for that party!
Rev. Robert E. Smith
Concordia Theological Seminary
Fort Wayne, Indiana
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