Jesus explained that the kingdom of God was already amongst them and is foremost a spiritual kingdom where the Lord is enthroned in the hearts of all believers in Christ Jesus. But first “the Son of Man must suffer terribly and be rejected by this generation” (Luke 17:25 NLT). First there was the cross, then the consummation of all things, then the coronation of the king of kings.

In response to the question of His return Jesus gave us the analogy of two men and what happened in their generations. Christ said that Noah and Lot are signs that we should learn from considering the Lord’s return to this earth as judge and king.

Noah’s day was marked by violence and wickedness. Jesus said, “When the Son of Man returns it will be like it was in Noah’s day” (Luke 17:26-27). What was significant was the fact that the populace carried on with a “business as usual” attitude with no thought of God. They had the preaching and warning of Noah but they refused to repent “until Noah entered the ark and the flood came and destroyed them all” (Genesis 6-9).

Lot’s generation was one of debauchery and unimaginable violence. (Genesis 18-19) Jesus said that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah went about their lives without thought or concern for God, “until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. Yes, it will be business as usual right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17:28-32 NLT).

Jesus then gave this warning, “Remember what happened to Lot’s wife!” (Luke 17:32 NLT) Before God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah he sent an angel to hurry Lot and his family out of Sodom. The angel warned them not to look back. But Sodom had such a hold on Lot’s wife that she looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. Friend, Jesus’ return to this earth could be any day. Don’t let the world have such a hold on you, that you’ll be left behind to endure the terrible judgments of God on the unrepentant. (Luke 17:31-37; Revelation 6-22)

General Sherman’s march to the sea during the civil war left a wake of burning fire and destruction throughout the south. His “shock and awe tactic” was to get the South’s attention with a hope of bringing an end to the war. What’s happening to this world? Jesus said, “Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby so these signs indicate the end is near” (Luke 17:37 NLT).

Before God could destroy Sodom and Gomorrah he first had to remove the righteous. Why? Abraham interceded for his nephew. (Genesis 18) Someone is praying for you. Before God sends His final judgments on this earth he is coming to remove His church. (Luke 18:8; 21:36; I Thessalonians 4:15-18; 5:1-11) Are you ready and looking for His soon appearing? Don’t be left behind. Jesus said, “So you, too, must keep watch for you do not know the day or hour of my return” (Matthew 25:13 NLT). His coming is our blessed hope! (Roman 10:9) MARANATHA! (Even so come Lord Jesus!)