ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE COMING STORMS? REFLECTING ON JESUS EXHORTATIONS FROM MATTHEW 24
On September 17, 2024, the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, began issuing warnings about a potentially catastrophic storm developing in the western Caribbean Sea. After remaining relatively calm for nine days, what became known as Hurricane Helene rapidly intensified on the morning of September 26, escalating to winds over 140 mph and becoming the third-deadliest hurricane of the modern era. Despite all the projections of potential damage no one anticipated the extent of the devastation, especially to inland states like North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee that seemed immune to such storms.
In the end, there were over 250 confirmed fatalities and $78 billion in damage. What's notable about this storm? Despite the repeated warnings a large percentage of people both on the Florida coast and in places like North Carolina took no meaningful action and were caught off guard. The prevailing mindset?
IT'S NOT "REALLY" GOING TO AFFECT US.
Sound familiar? I totally relate to this mindset. Most of the time, I am also slow to respond when God sends warning signs about important spiritual matters to get my attention. Similarly, I believe Jesus was aware of our tendency to miss the important spiritual shifts and seasons around us. We typically get consumed by our daily activities and responsibilities and what is right in front of us. Often, even believers aren't fully aware of the unique spiritual seasons they are experiencing or how dramatically the world is changing.
Jesus addressed this very subject multiple times in scripture: the importance of discerning the seasons in which you are living so you can live wisely. Here are three I was recently meditating on:
Discerning the Signs of the Times (Matthew 16:2-3): Jesus told the Pharisees and Sadducees, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times".
The Parable of the Fig Tree (Matthew 24:32-33): Jesus taught, "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door". This passage instructs believers to observe surrounding events to recognize the nearness of his return.
The Time of Visitation (Luke 12:54-56): In a similar exhortation to a curious crowd of people, Jesus questioned why they could predict weather patterns but not "discern this time". He emphasized that failing to recognize their "time of visitation"—the coming of the Messiah—could lead to significant repercussions.
IN SHORT, I BELIEVE WE ARE CURRENTLY LIVING IN ONE OF THESE SEASONS AND RADICAL CHANGE WILL CONTINUE TO UNFOLD. THE ONLY QUESTION IS: WILL WE BE PREPARED TO SPIRITUALLY NAVIGATE THESE UPCOMING SHIFTS AND STAY ON MISSION?
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In Matthew 24:3 Jesus is asked by some of his disciples: “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”” Jesus gave them seven signs that would accelerate as His coming neared:
1. An acceleration of deception and false prophets (verses 4, 5, 11, 24).
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many."
2. An acceleration of global conflicts and wars (verses 6 and 7).
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
3. An acceleration of global pestilence and natural disasters (verse 7).
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
4. An acceleration of persecution and hatred against Christians (verse 9).
Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
5. An acceleration of abandonment of faith and people walking away from their commitment to Christ (verse 10).
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.
6. An acceleration of wickedness and depravity (verse 12).
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.
7. An acceleration of false signs and miracles (verse 24).
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
