Luke 21:20-38

Your Redemption is Drawing Near

There is a lot about the end times and the new era that I don’t understand. If you ask me when I think the catching away (Rapture as it is called by many) is going to happen; I don’t know. If you ask me when the Tribulation is going to happen; I don’t know. (Many would declare it has already started.) If you ask me how all of this fits in with the Millennial Reign of Christ; ...that’s right, I don’t know. I’m not certain what the parable of the Fig Trees is in reference to and I can’t confidently explain about “this generation” not passing away.

I’ve read a number of books written by people who claimed to know the answers to these and other questions. Most of the time I’ve finished each book thinking that they explained it well. Then I read another book and discover that they explained it well also; only the books didn’t agree with each other. (This is Proverbs 18:17 in action.)

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” Some of this certainly seems to be happening now. “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” I can confidently say that this hasn’t happened yet.

Now, let me tell you what I do know, and I know it for a certainty. When these things take place it means that my redemption is drawing near. I know that when something is redeemed it is returned to its proper place. And I believe that my proper place, the place I was created to inhabit, is in real fellowship with the Living God. Being certain of that I can live with a little uncertainty about these other things.