A busy but good day, Father – time with others in worship, time with family, and now, time with You! Thank You, Father, for all You are and all You do!

Matthew 24:36-51 (<<click to read the passage)

I really enjoy history. It was one of my favorite topics in school and to this day I still like reading it and watching documentaries when I get the chance. In fact, currently, I am reading a book entitled, If the Allies Had Fallen: Sixty Alternate Scenarios of World War II. It’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is for me!

I’m sure most people have heard of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the catastrophic devastation in inflicted upon the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum on that fateful day of August 24, 79 AD.

Many can recall seeing pictures of the preserved victims. Many of those who did not flee when the eruption started were buried alive by ash and other molten material. It is estimated that about 16,000 people died in it. Most victims died instantly as the superheated air burned their lungs and contracted their muscles, leaving the bodies in a semi-curled position to be quickly buried in ash and thus preserved in detail for hundreds of years.

Although the eruption caught people off guard, the signs had been coming for years. Just 16 years earlier a massive earthquake shook the region, and damage from the earthquake was still being repaired when Mt. Vesuvius erupted.

Are you ready for what is coming our way? My study Bible* says,

“Christ’s second coming will be swift and sudden. There will be no opportunity for last-minute repentance or bargaining. The choice we have already made will determine our eternal destiny.”

Right now, you have a choice. “…no one knows the day or hour…” when Christ will return. There are warning signs of His imminent return all about us. Is it safe to put off a decision to repent of sin and follow Him? Or is it better to decide today to be ready for His return?

1 Corinthians 15:52 tells us,

“It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.”

Lord, help us to see clearly what will transpire. It may not be today. It may not be tomorrow. But You will return.

“…choose today whom you will serve… But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation

Oct 28th, 2018, Sun, 7:55 pm