Tag: Jesus’ Return

Keep the Word of Prophecy

“Look! I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy expressed in this book.” – Revelation 22:7 (NET)

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, the words of Revelation 22:7 ring with urgency and hope. Jesus declares His return is imminent, and He pronounces a blessing for those who “keep” the prophecy of this book. But what does it mean to keep a prophecy, especially when Revelation’s imagery and meanings are often debated?

Keeping this prophecy begins not with perfect understanding, but with a faithful heart. It’s about living in anticipation of Christ’s return, allowing the truth of His ultimate victory to shape our daily decisions. Revelation calls us to trust God’s sovereignty, to reject the seductive pull of worldly values, and to endure in faith even when circumstances challenge us.

This passage reminds us that faithfulness is not contingent on our mastery of every detail. Instead, it’s found in walking in step with the Gospel, standing firm in hope, and pointing others toward Jesus. Revelation paints a picture of a world redeemed, of sin and death defeated, and of God dwelling eternally with His people. To keep this prophecy is to live as though that promise is already breaking into our lives.

As the new year dawns, it’s the perfect time to renew our commitment to this hope. Just as Revelation concludes with an urgent call to readiness, the turning of the calendar invites us to examine our hearts. Are we living in expectation of Jesus’ return? Are we prioritizing His kingdom over the fleeting pleasures of this world?

Keeping the prophecy means letting it guide our values and choices, even when life feels uncertain or the world’s messages grow louder. It’s an invitation to embrace the new year with a resolve to stand firm, to trust deeply, and to love boldly, knowing the King is coming.

Signs of the Times

In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus presents a sweeping vision of future events, but His primary focus is not the “when” of His return. Instead, He emphasizes how we should live as we wait. With each reference to “wars and rumors of wars” and natural upheavals, Jesus reminds His followers that these are “birth pains”—a hint of what’s to come, not an invitation to speculation or fear.

Jesus’ call is clear: live prepared and purposeful lives, grounded in faith and action, rather than chasing easy answers or living in anxiety. In Matthew 24:42, He warns, “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” This watchfulness isn’t about decoding every event; rather, it’s about daily faithfulness to the work He has given us—the Great Commission.

Living with “signs of the times” in mind doesn’t mean abandoning our daily work or waiting passively. Jesus calls us to earnestness and perseverance, fully committed to the tasks at hand: sharing the gospel, serving our neighbors, and loving each other sacrificially. Each of these actions builds His Kingdom here on earth, a Kingdom that He promises will withstand any upheaval.

But faithful living also requires discernment. It’s tempting to become preoccupied with “answers” about the end times. Jesus knew this tendency, which is why He warned us against false messiahs and “false prophets” who “will deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). While we are to be wise and watchful, we shouldn’t let sensational claims distract us from Jesus’ clear command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

If we believe Jesus will return—and He will—then our lives should reflect that hope. It’s a hope that compels us to action, to plant seeds of faith in others, and to nurture our relationship with God. We persevere not because we know the date of His return but because we trust His promise and see the urgency of the gospel.

So how do we wait well? We live ready, open to His call at any moment. We pursue His mission wholeheartedly, not distracted by every new “sign” but anchored in the lasting promise that He is coming. Each day, we choose to love, serve, and share the gospel with those around us, reflecting Jesus’ love in all we do. When we live with this kind of readiness, we not only await the return of our King, but we bring His Kingdom to life in the here and now.