Jesus is coming back. There’s a day and an hour appointed for His return. We know that’s true because Jesus spoke of it saying, “Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). At that appointed time, He will catch away those of us who are prepared for His coming and take us to heaven with Him to celebrate for seven years. Then He’ll bring us back with Him when He comes to reign over the earth.

What a day that will be!

By studying Matthew 24 and Mark 13, we see that there are signs and events which have begun to happen that let us know His return is definitely getting closer. Our daily news reads like it was written from these verses that speak of wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in many places.

So, here are our basic instructions—no matter when the time will be: Be watching (Matthew 24:42; Mark 13:37) and working (Luke 12:32-43). Keep studying the Word to be strong in faith, and spend time in prayer. Each believer has a responsibility and a specific work to do to reap the end-time harvest of souls before the Lord’s return. It is best to be personally prepared to meet Jesus at any moment, but make plans to keep working for Him for a lifetime, because only the Father knows the exact time Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36).