Jesus also compared the time of His coming to the days of Lot. The people of Sodom were deeply involved in ordinary pursuits while living in a society marked by great wickedness. Judgment came suddenly, and those who were unprepared had no opportunity to escape. Let us remember that God’s patience is not permission to continue in sin. Scriptural Readings for the Day Luke 17:28-30 (KJV) “28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Genesis 19:15 (KJV) “And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.” 2 Peter 2:7-9 (KJV) “7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”
Prayer Lord, help me to remain spiritually separated from the wickedness around me. Give me grace to live righteously and be ready when the Son of man is revealed. Amen.
Jesus compared the days preceding His coming to the days of Noah. People were eating, drinking, marrying, and carrying on with ordinary life while ignoring God’s warning of coming judgment. The problem was not simply that they were living normal lives, but that they were living without regard for God. Let us not become so occupied with this present world that we forget eternity. Scriptural Readings for the Day Matthew 24:36-39 (KJV) But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Genesis 6:5 (KJV) “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
” Prayer Father, help me not to become distracted by the pleasures and cares of this present world. Give me the faith of Noah to believe Your Word, obey Your voice, and prepare for the coming judgment. Amen.
Jesus made it clear that no human being knows the exact day or hour of His return. Therefore, attempts to set dates for His coming are contrary to His warning. The proper response to uncertainty is not speculation but preparation. Since He may come when we least expect, we must remain ready at all times. Scriptural Readings for the Day Matthew 24:36, 44 (KJV) “36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Acts 1:7 (KJV) “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.”
Prayer Lord Jesus, keep me from the temptation to speculate about the exact time of Your coming. Instead, help me to remain ready, watchful, and faithful every day. Amen.
Jesus warned that in the last days the increase of iniquity would cause the love of many to grow cold. When sin becomes common, people can gradually lose their sensitivity to righteousness and their passion for God. We must guard our hearts and continue walking in love, even when the world around us becomes increasingly hostile to biblical truth. Do not allow the spiritual condition of the world to determine the condition of your heart. We are already living in such days. Let us not focus on the filth around us, but on the standard of God’s holiness so that we will not compromise our faith. Scriptural Readings for the Day Matthew 24:12-13 (KJV) “12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Revelation 2:4-5 (KJV) 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Prayer Lord Jesus, keep my love for You burning even when iniquity increases around me. Help me to remain faithful, compassionate, and steadfast until the end. Amen.
Jesus warned of a period of unprecedented trouble called the great tribulation. It will be a time of severe suffering, deception, persecution, and divine judgment. This is a reminder to keep ourselves pure so that we can escape through the rapture, and not pass through this horrible period. Whatever one’s understanding of the timing of these events, the warning of Scripture should cause every believer to remain spiritually awake and faithful. Our confidence must remain in the Lord, who is greater than every tribulation. Scriptural Readings for the Day Matthew 24:21-22 (KJV) “21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” “Matthew 24:29-31 KJV 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Prayer Heavenly Father, prepare me to remain faithful through every trial. Give me courage, endurance, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, whatever difficulties may come upon the earth. Amen.
The return of Jesus Christ is the great hope of every true believer. He will return visibly, powerfully, and gloriously, and every eye shall see Him. The Lord will gather His people, judge wickedness, and establish His righteous rule. Therefore, let us not fear the future but live faithfully while eagerly looking for the coming of our King. Scriptural Readings for the Day Acts 1:11 (KJV) “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Revelation 1:7 (KJV) “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” Prayer Lord Jesus, I look forward to the day of Your glorious return. Help me to remain watchful, holy, faithful, and ready to meet You when You come. May I never be ashamed of You but remain faithful until the end. Amen.
