Being Watchful

To Be Watchful

Revelation is the only book of the Bible that states you’re blessed by reading or hearing it. I feel that just from this verse alone, Christians should be scrambling to read and teach on the book of Revelation and prophecy in general, however, we can see the very opposite in the body of Christ.

Some people don’t approach it due to fear of what it’s talking about, or others might be confused at it’s symbolism and avoid it, or there may be a lack of interest in this part of the Bible. I believe that as followers of Christ, being watchful of the times we’re living in, and the signs preceding the return of Jesus Christ is also important for us. You don’t need to be a scholar in eschatology and know the ins and outs of prophecy, but having a basic understanding of what the Bible says will occur and how what’s unfolding in the world should also be a priority for us.

He answered and said to them, ‘When it is evening you say, ‘ It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘ It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.’ ‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭16:2-3‬)

In Matthew 16:1-4, the Pharisees and Sadducees approached Jesus to test him; to see if he really was who he said he is. Jesus soon chastises them for not being able to discern the “signs of the times”. Notably, the first coming of the messiah. The Messiah the Jews were looking for was right there in front of them, but they rejected him. The signs were there and prophecy was being fulfilled right before their eyes but they still ended up missing it and rejecting the truth before them. Even more so, how many will miss the signs preceding the 2nd coming of Jesus to earth?

This verse easily still applies to both Christians and non-Christians today. If we’re not careful, we can easily be swept up with the rest of the world and lose touch with what the Bible says we should be paying attention to. Let’s not be caught off guard but stay wide awake to the events happening on the earth.

But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matthew‬ ‭24:37-39‬)

Signs of the Times

So what does it even mean to be watchful? What should we as Christians be watching for? The Bible tells us clearly what the last days will look look in the passages below:

Deception – “And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He, ’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭21:8)‬ ‭

Scoffing/Mocking – “knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’” (II Peter‬ ‭3:3-4‬) ‭

Society – “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” ‭‭(II Timothy‬ ‭3:1-5‬)

Persecution – “’If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.” (John‬ ‭15:18-21)‬

Wars & Rumors of Wars – “But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:9-10)‬

Disturbances in Nature – “And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:11‬)

Israel – “Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.” (Luke‬ ‭21:29-32‬) ‭

What we’re told to be watchful of and discerning about is the increase and severity of natural disasters, the degradation of society and morality, deception and those twisting the gospel, increased conflict and aggression between nations, and most importantly, Israel. Many of these things have occurred since the beginning of time but it’s not the occurrence of the events themselves that’s important but rather that they continue to increase, get worse, and converge.

What Does This Mean?

For Christians – those who have truly placed their faith in Christ’s finished work at the cross – all these events tells us that our redemption is near. For non-Christians this is a time of confusion and distress. To make it worse, the bible tells us these signs are only the “beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8).

My ultimate goal is to wake up sleeping Christians to the times we’re living in and to point non-believers to the truth of the bible. If you’re wondering what the increase in hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, disease and conflict is all about, it’s all pointing to the soon return of Jesus Christ, first to take believers out of the earth before the 7 year tribulation – the worst time on earth that has ever been and will ever be – and then returning to set up his kingdom here on earth.

I’d recommend taking a look at the below resources if you’re not familiar with bible prophecy and are interested to see what the commotion’s about:

1. A Prophetic Review by Unsealed
2. An Overview of Things to Come by Unsealed

If you’re interested in other articles like this, navigate to my commentary page and follow me on my social media platforms to stay up to date with the latest news. These are amazing times we’re living in as we see bible prophecy unfolding right before our eyes and the world stage being set up for the fulfillment of many prophecies. Time is short and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Make sure you’ve made the right decision about Jesus today! It will be the most important decision of your eternal life.