view as web pdf Signs of His Coming

I am writing on the above topic in view of what happened in the city of Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in September. Nobody expected that fire could happen in such a place, which should be safer than most other places anywhere in the country. “Upon the earth, distress of nations with perplexity” (Luke 21:25). We cannot help but take notice of these words of Jesus as he answers the question put to him: “What signs will there be when these things shall come to pass?” after he spoke of the day coming when not one stone of the temple would be left standing.

The Lord Jesus spoke of many signs which will foreshadow his return in the last days, but perhaps never so obvious than today is the “perplexity” in which the present world finds itself.

The world is overwhelmed with problems which even the greatest minds are unable to solve. Attempts to correct them often result in additional problems which, in turn, prompt even more. One has only to examine the dilemmas in the world today to realise the perplexing situations which exist. Here is just a sample list of the most perplexing of these problems in no particular order: World overpopulation; global poverty, national debt, homelessness. Environmental issues: illegal drug use, AIDS/HIV, refugees, alcoholism, nuclear uncertainty, natural disasters, deforestation. Global warming, clean water, alternative energy; morality, terrorism, corruption, gangs, prison overload, health and social issues. Malnutrition, world unrest, arms trade … and there are many, many more.

If this doesn’t describe our present world as being in “distress of nations with perplexity” (Luke 21:25), your comprehension is seriously flawed in not being able to see the forest for the trees. These world problems are so obvious today and will only get worse, with no human solutions as the next verse (v26) says: “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken”.

Yet there is a solution which God has provided in His mercy through His word, as the words of the Lord Jesus tell us: “And then shall they see the son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory: And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads for your redemption draweth nigh” (v27). We can count on God’s word to fulfil all that he has spoken: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Luke 21:33).

Bro John Muyala (Bungoma, Kenya)


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