How Do I Know Jesus’ Return is Soon?

First of all...what is Jesus’ return?   And who is it for?  Most Christians call it the Rapture—even though the Bible never uses that word. I Thessalonians 4:13-17 clearly tells us that Jesus is returning for those who have followed him with all of their hearts.  Believers.  But not just those who’ve said, “Yes, there is a God.”   But those who have put their full faith in God and have made Him the boss of their lives and have followed him with their whole hearts.  So this is a time to examine ourselves.  Do we have that kind of faith?   Have we asked God to forgive us of our sins and invited Him into our lives and made Him Lord (or boss) of our lives?   Are we following and obeying Him?   If you haven’t, you can do that today!   It’s simple—just admit to God you’re a sinner and you need Him to forgive you.  Give Him your heart and invite Him into your life. He will come in—and He’ll never leave.  That’s who Jesus is coming for!

Matthew 24 says when we see these signs being fulfilled, we can know Jesus’ return is near.  Amos 9, Jeremiah 30, Isaiah 11 & 43 all talk about the people of Israel coming back to their home.  The world thought that would never happen—because Israel didn’t even exist for centuries.  But in 1948, Israel became a nation—and people have been coming back “home” by the thousands.  

When I went to Israel a few years ago, a man told me, “If you see anything green, take a picture!”   He described Israel as rocky, dry, and desolate.  But when I got there, it was lush and green.  This is a fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah 41!   We’re told Israel will be fruitful and lush in the last days.  Did you know it was Israel who invented drip irrigation?   It’s changed their country and they’re now feeding the world. 

In Matthew 24:32-34, Jesus is answering the disciples about the last days.  He’s talking about Israel when he talks about the olive branch.  “When it’s tender (when Israel is newly established), you can know my return is right at the door.  In fact, this generation will not pass away until these things take place.”   Many scholars believe this means that the generation who sees Israel becoming a nation will be alive when Jesus returns!

How else do I know Jesus’ return is soon?  Because there will be people who say, “People have been saying Jesus is coming back for YEARS—and it hasn’t happened yet!”   II Peter 3:3 says, “ 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.”

You might want to be looking up!