Jesus spends a lot of time on the judgement to come. Israel, His people, have rejected Him, and God will send them the final step in love: tough love. He will remove His protection and drive them out of their land once again, in hopes that they will see it as a sign of their mistake in dismissing Jesus.

For the believers caught in the situation, that means some hardship will come to them too. It can cause fear and doubt…which is why Jesus tells them ahead of time. It’s nice to have a little time to prepare. It’s clarifying and comforting to know the way that Jesus will return too, so you don’t think He has snuck in again without warning.

The end of all things will be quite dramatic, as Jesus indicates here. It will also be a surprise, in regards to when it happens. If we could just stick to this promise, a lot of false religious movements would lose their influence.

But most important for us: the end of time is something we should be prepared for. I usually dislike this request from Jesus, because its hard to be prepared. However, this week as I read His words, I think of how I should work hard to live each day in the mindset that He is present. Treat each moment as incredibly important, and strive to use every opportunity I get to help people find Jesus as their spiritual life. This daily time in God’s word helps me remain prepared. I can do this! I will be prepared.