Did today’s title get your attention? Hope so for I’m revealing all you’ll need to know about the no ifs, ands, or buts, ironclad, and no fine print timing of Jesus’ second coming. Even promising money-back if I’m off by a day or two. Charts and booklets I’m selling at exorbitantly inflated prices with enormous profits for myself. What a guy. All heart…and dough!

Actually, I can’t remember a time when I was drawn to those prognosticators who know all about the how, when, where, and who of end-times predictions. I’m skeptical. Rarely convinced.

Such culmination highbrows have a thing about knowing it all and having the right answers as big-shots who get their jollies through one-upmanship. Neener, neener, neener– I know more than you poor swine out there in the peanut gallery!

So, I’ll stick with what Jesus has to say. He might have a clue or two as to His own second coming. Might He? Duh! The Gospel writer Mark records what Jesus teaches in chapter 13. Basically, it’s four words of good advice. Only four? That’s right. And remember, don’t forget!

First of all, don’t be overcome with fear at the state of this crazy world (v. 6-8). Lots of false messiahs and political magicians will offer cures for society’s ills. Wars and upheavals, even in nature, will be par for the course. There’s really nothing new under the sun. So, get a grip. Hold your Savior’s hands.

Second, don’t let persecution break your trust in Jesus (v. 9-10). The time is coming (and for much of the world, it’s been here for quite a while) when we’ll lose jobs, money, family, friends, and even our lives because of our relationship with Jesus and the teachings of God’s Word in the Bible. You know what I mean. So, don’t give in, Jesus says. This will happen with increasing ferocity before He returns to straighten out everyone and everything once and for all. I can hardly wait.

Third, don’t worry about being tongue-tied when questioned about your faith (v. 11). Be yourself and God’s Holy Spirit will be right there with you, filling your mind and heart with what you want to say. Be kind. Clear and definite. Try not to be intimidated or likewise to hit someone else over the head if they disagree with you. Remember who’s by your side. God’s Helper, the Holy Spirit. Can’t get any better than that!

Finally, hang in there with Jesus. Can get really dicey, even with our families (vs. 12-13), because of Jesus and what the Bible teaches. We know what that’s like and how it feels. Our backs get slammed against the wall. No one seems to care or love us. Only Jesus. Only our Savior. He will. Who needs more than Him?

When is the end coming? I know exactly when and even can guarantee it. When God the Father says so. Jesus will arrive right on time. Not a day or millenia late. It will be something to behold if you are in the family of God. If not? All hell will break loose and the unimaginable will commence. Not for believers. Not ever. That I can guarantee. For Jesus said–‘In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).

So, come over and get real close to the Overcomer!

Thank you, Jesus, for your promises of goodness and life to me. Amen.