Can We Know When Jesus is Coming?

            Is it possible to study the Bible and determine when Jesus is coming?  Many have asked that question. 

Jesus himself said that no man knows the day or the hour.  He also said, you know the times and the seasons - you ought to be aware of these things.  If you take the Bible literally, then it is possible to recognize the “season” of His coming. 

            Let me ask a question.  Is it possible to know when winter is coming.....or spring, summer, and autumn?  Of course it is.  You know from experience that it’s usually hot in July & August, so you make sure that your air conditioner is in good working order, and that the lawn mower is tuned up, and that the swimming pool is properly maintained…..and so on.  Consequently, you know that come January & February, it’s going to be cold, maybe even snowy.  We make sure we dress properly for the weather, and that the heater works properly, and that the snow blower is ready to go……and we are ready to criticize our local town officials for not plowing the roads promptly & properly (smile)……

            My point is that we can certainly recognize the times and the seasons around us where nature and weather is concerned.  Given that fact, can we recognize the signs of the times?  Is there a “wind” blowing that is telling us His return is approaching?  Absolutely! 

            Have you ever seen the Visa check/debit card commercials on TV?  A bunch of people are at the food court or cafeteria, and everyone is methodically and mechanically getting their food and drinks, and going to the cashier with their debit card - swiping their card and moving on….just like a production line….everything moving in perfect order because of this wonderful financial invention. Then there’s one person in the line who reaches into his pocket to pay with cash, and the whole line abruptly comes to a halt, food is splattered here and there, drinks are spilled, and everything starts backing up….all because one “old-fashioned” person still carries cash - how despicable!  Why can’t this person get with the times and get a Visa check/debit card? 

Have you seen these commercials? 

            May I suggest to you that this is a sign of the “season?”  We know that as the end time approaches, the use of cash will be done away with…..that everyone will, at some point, be made to take a mark in their forehead or right hand.  In that day, none will be able to buy or sell, except those that have the mark.  We know the devil’s tactics….he never introduces anything in one fell swoop….but rather in insignificant little bits over time.  If you need an example of that, just consider the issue of prayer in schools, which was removed from the public school system in 1962. 

            Today, our schools have decayed into battlegrounds where drugs, alcohol, and firearms are a normal occurrence.  When we hear about school shootings on the news, our hearts are grieved, but we are not even surprised anymore.  Would we have ever thought that way in 1962?  I don’t think so….. but a small steady dose of “de-sensitizing” each day for 50 years has numbed our hearts.  I suggest that the same thing is happening with these Visa commercials, any many will be led astray.  Will it take another 50 years for cash to be non-existent?  I don’t know, but my personal opinion is that it won’t take nearly that much time.  Our current computer and advanced technology age continues to accelerate life (in general) faster and faster each day.  We have more gadgets today to simplify our lives with just a touch of a button, yet we have less and less time in our busy schedules….how is that possible?  We are all victims of the enemy’s deceit in one way or another.  

            So....yes, I think we can see the "season of His return" approaching.  Can we predict the month, day or hour?  Of course not......I'm just saying that if we stay in the Word, we can know what these seasons look like, and be properly prepared as Jesus instructed. 

             But….don’t be depressed…..I’m not finished yet.  The end of the book says that we win….and God is still on the throne….Amen?  Somebody shout Hallelujah!! 

            Jesus has provided everything we need to be saved……so to steal a popular advertising line……..get Jesus.  Don’t leave this earthly home without him!!