Suddenly There Was Blossom

For several weeks I have been noticing the signs of Spring.  Crocuses poke its heads from the soil.  Daffodils and tulips have burst into colorful splendor.  Just outside our front door stands an ornamental cherry tree.  It has no fruit but its blossom is vibrant pink.  Beautiful.  I’ve been taking note of the buds, thinking it won’t be long now before the bare branches are covered in pink.  One day I walked out the door taking our dog for a walk. The tree stood bare but full of buds.  The very next time I came out the door, later that same day, I froze in amazement.  The tree was absolutely dazzling in pink blossom!  It happened so fast! I knew it was coming, but even so, its arrival took me by surprise.

As I continued on my way, my thoughts immediately went to Matthew 24.  Jesus is speaking here about the future.  He is talking about when He will return.  It’s about the Second Coming, which is an event different than the Rapture.  The Second Coming will take place after the Tribulation.  Jesus Himself will sit on the throne in Jerusalem and set up the millennial reign.  Matthew 24 points to signs that help us in knowing the time is near.  Christians everywhere are excited, because for the first time since Jesus spoke those words, signs are happening at the same time.  While one can argue there have always been signs; there have never been so many taking place at once.  The added excitement is this:  the Rapture takes place before Jesus comes back to set up His kingdom.  Therefore, if signs are pointing to the nearness of His Second Coming — church be ready to be caught up!

Jesus spoke these words in Matthew 24:42-44, “So you must keep watch!  For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming,  Understand this:  If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into.  You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

More surprising and more beautiful than pink cherry blossom will be the sound of trumpet and the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.