NOV 29

2 Thessalonians 2:3
Memorise I Peter 4:7
“…be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”

We often hear from our pastors and preachers that Christ is coming back to earth again soon. We do not know the exact timing, though, for Christ Himself has said that no one but God knows the day and hour of His return. But surely there must be some sign, some indication that Christ’s return is imminent?

The Thessalonian church faced questions about the timing of Christ’s return, too. As mentioned in yesterday’s reading, false teachers that had crept into the church had erroneously taught them that Christ had already come. This had led to the Thessalonian Christians being deceived into thinking that they had entirely missed it! Paul thus had to write this second epistle to them in order to clear up the misunderstanding and to give them the right instruction regarding Christ’s second coming. He explained to them certain clear signs that would precede His return. Today’s passage tells us that there would first be a “falling away”, i.e. a time of great apostasy when many would turn their backs on the Christian faith and forsake the truth. There would also first be the revelation of “that man of sin…, the son of perdition”. This would be the ‘capital A’ Antichrist, the one spoken of in Revelation 13 who would deceive the whole world during the last days and blaspheme the name of God. Verse 4 goes on to say that he would be in direct opposition to God, and would make himself out to be God.

More than ever, it seems likely that these signs will be fulfilled within our lifetime. Do we not see a great falling away in our world today? Do we not see so many so-called churches being compromised, teaching false doctrines and becoming more and more like the world? Do we not see this great decline of moral values in our generation? Do we not realise that the Antichrist will soon arise and take over the world? Dear teen, God has graciously given us such clear indications, that we may be better able to prepare for His Son’s coming. What are you doing with such knowledge? Are you earnestly preparing for this most momentous event? Have you been telling your friends about it? Or do you simply brush it aside, choosing rather to focus on your present earthly cares? When Christ comes back to earth, may you not be caught offguard, but be ready and watching.

Thought: To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be prepared for Your return.