As we conclude our series on Understanding the End Times, we look at what Scripture teaches about the events leading up to, and following, the rapture of the Church. We know now that once Christ comes for His Bride, the world will enter into great tribulation, “such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, nor shall ever be” (Matthew 24:21). Even now, we see glimpses of it, but not in its full maturity, because the presence of the Church on earth still restrains it (2 Thessalonians 2:7). Once the saints have raptured, that restraint will be lifted, and the tribulation will unfold in its fullness.
Being concerned about these things, the disciples asked Jesus, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). Jesus answered them, “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (vs.4-5). Saints, notice how deception is one of the chief markers of the last days. Deception is not always an outright lie or the opposite of truth; it is truth perverted and twisted just enough to lead one astray. This is why we must anchor ourselves in God’s Word, because the more we fellowship with the Word and specialize in truth, the quicker we can identify the counterfeit. And when Satan tries to entice and lead us astray we can immediately stop him in his tracks with the Word of Truth that we know. Jesus continued, saying, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars … nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom … there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes” (vs.6-8). Are these not the very things we see today? Yet, Jesus tells us not to be troubled or afraid, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet (vs.6b). Instead, He reminds us that though we may face tribulation, betrayal, hatred, and even a growing coldness of love (vs.9-13), “he who endures to the end shall be saved” (vs.13).
In Matthew 25, we find a parable that Jesus shared to shed further light on judgement – the parable of the talents (vs.14-30). While often understood in terms of stewardship of resources and gifts, this parable also points us to the end times. We read that each servant received something from the Master and was expected to be fruitful with it, as are we. Those who multiplied what was entrusted to them received the commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (vs.21 & 23). Saints, faithfulness begins with salvation itself – receiving Christ, walking in obedience, and being fruitful. And just as God’s mandate from the beginning was to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28), the Lord Jesus calls, and expects, us to multiply by leading others to the great gift of salvation and making disciples after our own kind (Matthew 28:19-20). However, we know that one servant hid his talent in the ground (Matthew 25:18), representing those who reject salvation, treating it cheaply or distancing themselves from the assignment of God. The Master called that servant “wicked and slothful” (vs.26a), and took the talent from him (vs.28), “for to everyone who has, more will be given … but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away” (vs.29). Church, the opportunity to receive salvation will not remain open forever. Just as God Himself shut the door of the ark in Noah’s day (Genesis 7:16), so too will the door be shut when Christ returns.
So, let us remain faithful, stewarding well what God entrusted to us – salvation, His Word, and the call to win souls – lest, like the unprofitable servant, we be cast out into the outer darkness, forever separated from God (vs.30).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing to us the Truth of Your Word. Help us to walk faithfully in these last days, being good stewards and fruitful servants who multiply what You have entrusted to us, until the Day of Christ’s return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
