Matthew 24:1-28   The disciples ask Jesus about the day of His coming at the "end of the age".  This is a question we would all like answered!  

Jesus begins His answer, not with a date or time but  with a very important warning. ."See to it that no one misleads you."  More important than a date and time.. is the need to be aware.  In verse 42 He says, " .. be on the alert" and in verse 44 He says.. " be ready".  All that Jesus reveals about those days before He comes again are hard to hear..  the false christs.. the wars and rumors of wars.. the famines and earthquakes.. the tribulations, the lawlessness.. the lack of faith and the lack of love. But. we need to pay attention to them. 

"But the one who endures to the end he shall be saved." Jesus encourages us, for the "gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all nations and then the end shall come." Don't be mislead.. don't be frightened..  and don't give up.. this is what Jesus wants His followers to know. 

With that warning in place, Jesus goes on to tell the disciples some details of those coming days.. 

There will be "the abomination of desolation.. standing in the holy place"  just as Daniel prophesied. 

There will be such trouble that people will run to the mountains.. "for there will be a great tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall."  It will be a time so terrible that no one would be left.. except by the grace of God.. for He will cut those days short..   Still even in this terrible time of trouble there will be false prophets and false messiahs.. Be warned.. be alert.. don't be fooled. When Jesus comes there will be no doubt "For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be." v27

Father in heaven, give to us ears to hear and heed the warnings of  Jesus.. may we be alert and aware.. unpersuaded by the false words and schemes of the evil one.  May we continue in the Truth and endure until that day when we are finally with You forever.  Keep us in Your Hand where no one can ever snatch us away! In Christ Jesus we come and ask these things. amen.