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Read Matthew 24:29-35.

Jesus gave us the supreme signs of His return, the things that will take place after the great tribulation: The sun will darken, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavens will be shaken (see Matthew 24:29). You see, though we are prone to forget, God is not only the Creator of the universe but also the sustainer of the universe.

In Hebrews 1:3, we read that Jesus is the one “sustaining all things by his powerful word.” He upholds all the stars and the galaxies by His power. And on the day when, just for one nanosecond, He withholds that sustaining power, you’re going to see thousands of stars pile up in the sky.

While the world is in a state of shock, horrified at all that has taken place, our Lord Jesus Christ will suddenly appear in all His splendor, glory, majesty, and righteousness. In the midnight darkness, He will shine like the noon hour. The sight of His blazing glory will bring joy to the hearts of all those who love Him, who have been longing for His return. But that same sight will make all those who have rejected Him search desperately for a place to hide. Of course, they will find none. Those who have rejected Him, scorned His name, hated His followers, sought to remake Him in their own image—all these will mourn. They will writhe in the pain of anguish, sorrow, and regret.

Those who will be terrified on that day are those who have refused to accept Jesus’ gracious invitation to repent of their sins and be forgiven. Ever since Jesus stretched out His arms on that cross, dying and atoning for the sins of the world, He has been willingly stretching out His arms to welcome anyone who will come to Him in repentance and faith. Still today, His arms are wide open—but they will not be open much longer. The day will soon come when the opportunity to receive divine forgiveness will be gone.

Friend, if you have never repented of your sins and put your trust in Jesus, I urge you to do so today. God loves you, and He sent His Son to die for you. But you need to receive the gift of salvation by faith. Jesus said that no one knows the day or the hour of His return (see Matthew 24:36), so I urge you: Don’t wait a moment longer!

Prayer: Jesus, I know You are coming soon to make all things new. The awesomeness of Your power and might will be on full display. I trust You and set my hope in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near” (Matthew 24:32).

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