Philosopher George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” In other words, if you don’t know what came before, you will likely regret what happens next.
Teens often repeat unwise behavior, such as getting a buzz and then driving home. Careless! This is a sign of the times.
Families fall apart due to secret sin. A husband thinks he deserves extra pleasures, but with someone else’s wife. When he can no longer explain those random hotel expenses, heartache follows. A married woman tells her husband what she’s done. Guilt? Shame? Is this our world today? A sign of the times.
Church tradition is valued more than God’s Word, leading to spiritual failure! When religious groups follow error, it’s a sign of the times.
Jesus’ disciples point out to Him the magnificent temple buildings. His response refers to destruction: “…See all these things?…Not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.” (Matthew24:2) The disciples wanted to know more (vs. 3). What? When? Jesus answers, “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened…that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…there will be famines and earthquakes.” (Matthew 24:6-7) Please read His entire response in your own Bible (vs. 4-14). Jesus' words are relevant to people in His day: “Therefore when you see…(let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains...For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew24:15-21, 27). Jesus answered their questions.
The signs of the times can be seen, and some will escape! These signs will come abruptly, and some will survive (vs. 22).
The Jewish temple was leveled by Roman soldiers in A.D. 70! Matthew 24 contains the historic narrative concerning the temple buildings.
Jesus uses figurative language descriptive of God’s judgment. Please read the Old Testament book of Joel, chapter two, in which the prophet Joel foretells this terrifying event called “the day of the Lord.” Their world was going to crumble! His words to the people are signs of the times.
Matthew 24 is God’s warning to watch and be ready when He comes in judgment. Please read 2 Peter 3:5-15. Each of us must be ready when Jesus returns!