14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.
20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
24 “But in those days, following that distress,
“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
25 the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. Mark 13:14-27
Over the last 30 years, people have predicted Christ’s return publicly and emphatically 20-30 times. Many people sold their belongings and waited for that magical day to come. Obviously, it never came. People still follow after leaders who promise them heaven on earth.
But the Bible is clear that leaders will deceive us into thinking His return is near. While His return is near, it’s not as they predict.
When will He appear? Oh, we’ll know it for sure. There won’t be any doubt in our minds of His return. It’ll be, as He stated elsewhere, like a thief in the night. That’s why we’re advised to be watch and pray so when that day comes, we’ll be ready.
The good part is that His return is imminent and close now than when He first made these remakes. In fact, every day we live is one day closer.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, seek not when He returns, but seek Him daily.