Anticipation

We all have time of anticipation. We anticipated the birth of our children and grandchildren. That was a time of joyful anticipation. We have anticipated the trips to the dentist. That is usually a dreadful anticipation. We have times when we went to eat something that is special. That is exciting anticipation.
Any day Jesus may return for the saints of God in the rapture. This is glorious anticipation. This thought that Jesus is coming some probably gives us one of two avenues of thought. They are thus.
1. The Lord may come today.
2. Or this may be my last day on this earth.
These thoughts should permeate our very being and thoughts. In fact we should daily anticipate the rapture. It should never be far from our thoughts.
Are there some things that point to the fact that Jesus may come soon? Even though Matthew 24:4-12 points to the tribulation period, we know that the tribulation period will come immediately on the heels of the Rapture.
1. False messiahs verse 5 “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
2. Frequent wars verse 6 “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”
3. Frequent catastrophes verse 7 ” For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”
4. Fervent persecutions verse 9 “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.”
5. False prophets verse 11 “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”
6. Feeble love verse 12 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

We see these things so plainly today but Jesus purposely placed this statement in this passage for our encouragement in verse 6‚ “For all these must come to pass but the end is not yet.” Jesus also gave more words of encouragement in other passages. Matthew 24:44
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 25:13 “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Luke 21:28 “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

Are you anticipating the Lord's return?