Mark 13:24-27
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light,
25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.
26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
27 And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven.
The Signs of Christ’s Second Coming
The signs of the second coming
Jesus is answering the disciples’ three questions. In today’s passage, He responds to the question of “the timing of the second coming and what will be its sign” (the second question). (1) Following the tribulation (the Great Tribulation), darkness will come upon the world. The sun and the moon will be darkened, stars will fall from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. (2) In darkness, suddenly the light of the Shekinah Glory (God’s glory) will shine forth. (3) At that time, all the nations on the earth will witness the Son of Man (Jesus the King) coming on the clouds of heaven. In other words, the light of the Shekinah Glory will be the sign of the second coming. With this, Jesus has answered all three questions. (1) The first question was concerning the timing and the sign of the temple’s destruction. The answer was, “when the enemy surrounds Jerusalem, that will be the sign of the temple’s destruction.” This sign was given in AD 66 (recorded only in Luke 21:20–24 and not in Matthew or Mark). (2) The second question was concerning the timing and the sign of Jesus’ second coming. The answer was “the Shekinah Glory breaking the world’s darkness will be the sign of His coming.” (3) The third question was concerning the timing and the sign of the end of the age. The answer was, “world wars, earthquakes, and famines will be the sign.” This sign was given in the years 1914-1918.
The restoration of the elect
Mark 13:27 is a prophecy about the restoration of Israel to the promised land (ref. to Matt. 24:31). This prophecy will be fully fulfilled after the Messiah’s return. (1) Jesus, in His second coming, will send His angels throughout the world. (2) These angels will gather the dispersed people of Israel from around the world to the promised land. The signs of the temple’s destruction and the beginning of the end of the age have already been given. We are currently living in a time when the rapture could happen at any moment. Those who believe in the fulfillment of God’s promises never lose hope. Time is running out. Let’s continue to proclaim the Gospel today.
Today's prayer
Creator God of heaven and earth, Your plans are perfect, in which we find hope and conviction. Today, I walk with hope, looking up to You and your truth. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.