February 19 | Matthew 24:31
“And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather His chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:31)
When Jesus came to the end of His earthly ministry, He was thinking about the end of time when He would rescue all of His saints. The disciples asked Him about the end times, and Jesus was happy to talk about His victory lap.
It’s hard to think about the end times when we are in the middle of trial and suffering. We are shortsighted, and need Jesus’s long-term vision. Even though it’s sad to think about Good Friday, we must not forget Resurrection Sunday and His victory over all evil in the end times.
The most encouragement Christians gave to one another every Sunday then was, “He is risen,” to which the other side replied, “He is risen indeed.” They were facing extreme hardships. When you suffer for the gospel, you need to remember Jesus is coming back for you.
The more pain you feel, suffering you go through, and trials you face, fix your eyes on Jesus. Raise your head toward heaven and look at the clouds. When the Father says, “Go,” to Jesus, He will be right there to bring you home.
Action Step: Look up to heaven and see your Salvation. Imagine what it will be like to see Jesus in the clouds beckoning you to come home. This world has tribulation, strife, and pain. But you have a far greater inheritance in Jesus. Be encouraged in the middle of your race.
Heavenly Father, please send Jesus soon. Thank You that You walk with me through every trial, but I pray even more with Paul, “Come, Lord!” Make me ready and waiting with faith and hope in Your return.
