In Mattthew 24, after leaving the temple, and in preparation for teaching on the Mount of Olives. The disciples come to Jesus privately, and asked, “Tell us, when will these be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” In Jesus reply, which is seen in Matthew 24-25 (called the Olivet Discourse) Jesus outlined the events that would have to take place before He would return to the earth. These are not events that would have to take place before the rapture, but signs of His coming to the earth which will be visible and which will be accepted by Israel and is further outlined in Revelation 19. While we are reminded that we do not know the day nor the hour, Jesus wanted His followers to be aware of what the world would look like before He returned. One of the realities of this passage is the reminder that we are closer to that return today, than we ever have been before. Our heartbeat and pulse should quicken a bit as we view current events in light of Scripture. We may be living in the last days of the church age. Just as shadows indicate the presence of the. sun, so the shadows of the signs indicate the return of the Son. As we walk through the current events of the pandemic, and global turmoil, do not become overwhelmed or discouraged. Live each day with the joyous anticipation of God’s plan being worked out in the World. The things we see we should expect as we grow closer and closer to the return of Christ to establish His throne. The evils that we see only point to the truthfulness of the Word of God! As you face the unknown of the days that lie ahead, may passages like Matthew 24-25 bring comfort and consolation, that the Lord has not and will not forsake us our His plan.