“Israel poised for ground war in Gaza” titled an article in Sunday Times dated 18 Nov 2012.  In this article, it was reported that Israel bombarded the Hamas-ruled Gaza strip with nearly 200 air strikes early on Saturday 17 Nov 2012.  The article further reported that the barrage preceded an unprecedented rocket strike aimed at the hotly-contested city of Jerusalem.    The article further reported that Israel’s Prime Minister with his cabinet ministers approved mobilizing 75000 reservists.  That would be the largest call-up in a decade. The military amassed troops, tanks, and armoured vehicles along the border of Gaza, which signaled that a ground invasion could be imminent.  Militants, undaunted by the huge damage, have unleashed some 500 rockets against the Jewish state, including new, longer range weapons turned, for the first time last week, against Jerusalem and the heartland of Tel Aviv.

Both the gospels of Matthew and Luke recorded for us that before the second coming of our LORD Jesus Christ, there will be wars and rumours of wars.  Luke 21:9 “When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away”.

Though we may not know the exact time that our LORD returns, God, in his wisdom, has given us signs or events that will happen before the coming of our LORD.  Jesus gives an illustration of the fig tree and all the trees, that when you see leaves sprouting, you know summer is here. Even so, when we see these events happening in our time, we know that the second coming of our LORD is near.

However, God has not made known the exact hour of the LORD’s coming. Instead, we are instructed to be alert and be ready for the LORD’s coming.

I remembered, when I was expecting the birth of each of my children, that through labour pains, we knew that the birth was soon, but as to the exact day and hour of the birth, not even my experienced obstetrician knew.   We just had to get ready and prepare for the birth and to receive the baby.

Likewise, the bible clearly tells us that no one knows the exact date and time of the LORD’s return but God has given us clear signs and events leading to His coming.

It reads in Matthew 24:42 – “Therefore keep watch because you do not know on what day your LORD will come.”, and, in Luke 21:36 “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. In addition, it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 – “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep but let us be awake and sober.”, and in 1 Peter 4:7 – “The end of all things is near.  Therefore be alert and sober mind so that you may pray”.

We are exhorted to be awake and be sober.  Stop living in sin and repent.  Continue in faith, love one another fervently and have a certainty hope of your salvation.  Be good stewards, use your talents and serve God in unity and faithfully.  Make your life count for God and for eternity.  Be a good witness through your speech and conduct and spread the good news of salvation with your friends, colleagues and loved ones.  Through our speech and conduct, let us win souls for Christ while the LORD tarries in His coming.  Come to our Saviour Jesus Christ for salvation if you have not already done so, who for the love of you gave His life so that you can receive abundant and eternal life, and, escape from the imminent judgement of God.  Lastly, be watchful, be alert, be vigilant and keep your personal prayer and quiet time with our LORD and God, who loves you and cares for you, till His soon glorious return!