As the message of Christ’s first advent announced the kingdom of His grace, so the message of His second advent announces the kingdom of His glory. And the second message, like the first, is based on the prophecies. The words of the angel to Daniel relating to the last days were to be understood in the time of the end. At that time, “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” “The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:4, 10. The Saviour Himself has given signs of His coming, and He says, “When ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:31, 34, 36.
What a message of warning and encouragement. We do not need to be taken by surprise and the scriptures tell us what we need to know and do to be prepared. After going through Dorian the last couple of days I appreciate even more what it means to be prepared for the coming storm. If we wait until it's upon us it will be too late to protect ourselves and our families. As we face the coming storm of end times we need to be preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Daily preparations of bible study, prayer, soul searching, sharing the good news of salvation to others will keep us prepared as we 'watch and wait' and work. Just as it takes effort and work preparing for a hurricane so does it spiritually. We work and God works. He gives us the energy, endurance, wisdom and knowledge to accomplish our part. It all comes from Him. Our part may be little but it's important.