Jesus’ disciples wanted to know what signs would mark his return.
First, Jesus warned them that Rome would conquer Jerusalem, destroying their temple, “Not leaving one stone upon another.”
This was literally fulfilled in 70 AD when Roman soldiers took the stones of the temple apart to scrape the gold from them.
Then he foretold that the Jewish people would be scattered to the four corners of the earth, but that God would re-gather them to the land of Israel. This also was fulfilled in 1948.
From there, Jesus warned that wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines and pestilences would increase, and that once again anti-semitism would rise. Finally Jesus said, “When you see these things begin to come to pass, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Jesus comforted his disciples with these words, “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.
In my father’s house are many dwelling places: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
Where did Jesus go to prepare a place for us? He went to the cross. There he washed us from our sins so that “whosoever wants to,” can be made fit to dwell in the kingdom of Heaven.
Current events should not alarm us, but awaken us to the accuracy of Biblical prophecy.
The return of king Jesus is the most anticipated event in the Bible. It is as certain as the rising sun, because it is the promise of a trustworthy and loving God who cannot lie.
