Matthew 24:29-51 

Jesus uses prophecies from Isaiah , Daniel, and Zechariah to tell His disciples what will happen after the great tribulation.. 

The sun, moon, and stars will stop bringing light to the earth.

There will be a "sign" in the sky and all the earth will see Jesus "coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory".. and they will mourn. 

The angels will sound "a great trumpet" and all of God's people will be gathered "from one end of the sky to the other." 

Jesus tells us again to stay "alert"..  We can recognize the coming of fruit on a fig tree.. and we need to pay attention to the events so we can also  recognize when "He is near, right at the door." 

 The exact day and hour is known only to the Father, Jesus tells us.  Life will be "just like the days of Noah".. people doing the things that people always do.. "eating.. drinking.. marrying.. " We "do not know which day your Lord is coming.. But be sure of this.. " He says.  If you knew when the thief was coming to rob you, you would be ready for him.. "for this reason, be ready too for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. " 

Since we don't know when He will return, Jesus exhorts us to just be ready. .Be found faithfully doing what He tells us to do.  be "faithful and sensible.." 

Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away but My words shall not pass away."  He is coming again.. He is near.. waiting at the door.. and we must be ready, faithfully living every day as His servants, staying true to His calling.. running the race set before us to the honor and glory of His Name. 

Father in heaven, we cling to the True Vine, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We seek to abide in Jesus and in the Word.. ready for the day when He returns or takes us home.  We do not know the day or hour of that Great Day.. nor do we know the day of our own passing on from this mortal life.  We want to be ready and enduring to the end.. Help us.. for You are our Help.. and we rest in You to accomplish all of Your good will and purposes for us and in us.. for this we thank You Lord. amen.