The Days that are Very Near

And he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation” (Luke 17:22-25).

What are you living for? Do you really believe that what you believe is really true? Does your faith in Christ give you a vision beyond the demands and distractions of today? The difficulties and trials of today often cause us to look up and echo the words of John the Revelator… “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). I believe the Lord wants us to live with the same kind of anticipation of the days of the Son of Man because they are truly the days that are very near.

The days of the Son of Man are desired by Christ’s disciples. Ever since His departure, believers have longed for Christ’s physical return to establish His earthly rule. As we mature in the faith we learn to live above the temptation and sin of today and more for that glorious day when the fruits of our pursuit of His righteousness are rewarded… “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). Growing disciples share the gospel with greater urgency because we know His return draws nearer every day… “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God… manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus… which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me” (2 Timothy 1:8-12). Diligent disciples are exhorted to know and proclaim the truth of Christ’s gospel as we seek and sense the approach of the days that are of the Son of Man.

The days of the Son of Man are discerned by Christ’s truth Ever since His ascension men have tried to predict and use Christ’s return for diverse and perverse reasons. At the end time of the world, he will not descend from heaven obscurely or secretly, but with godlike glory and dwelling in the light which no one can approach… “The appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time… who dwells in unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:14-16). The angels promised that Christ’s return would be just like His ascension… “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). The Spirit inspired Luke to record Jesus’ promise that his coming will be like the lightning. Matthew was moved to record this discourse in much more detail but He was sure to include Jesus’s same description of His return… “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:27). Diligent disciples are encouraged to know and trust the truth of God’s Word so we will discern and not be deceived regarding the days that are of the Son of Man.

The days of the Son of Man are delayed by Christ’s suffering. Ever since He left to take His seat at the father’s side men have expected Christ’s return to establish God’s kingdom on earth to be imminent. Jesus tole the first disciples that He first had to suffer many things. He wanted them to know that he was about to abolish death by the death of his flesh, put away the sin of the world, destroy the ruler of this world, ascend to the Father and in due time appear to judge the world in righteousness. In the meantime, He wants His disciples to imitate His life of sacrificial service… “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45) as we live and pray… “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Diligent disciples are enjoined to share Christ’s suffering as a reflection of the nearness of the days that are of the Son of Man.

As we grow up into Christ, living for Him brings us and our world closer to…

The Days that are Very Near.