Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines even to the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. I. Christ's advent shall be SUDDEN. Unexpected by the masses; like the flash that leaps from the bosom of the black cloud, sweeps through the sky, and completes its journey in an instant. II. Christ's advent will be with INTENSE AND VIVID SPLENDOUR. The lightning fills the whole world; leaps from the east, and finds its lair only in the remote and distant west. When the searching lightning of that day shall come it will penetrate the cell of the captive, etc. What an arrest will take place. The world will be going on when Christ comes, as it does this moment. There will BE SIGNS, AND SYMPTOMS, AND PREMONITORY WARNINGS OF CHRIST'S ADVENT. 1. Some will say, on seeing them, "The whole thing can be explained on the principles of natural science," etc. It may be so; but certainly these scientific objectors seem to be the successors of a class who are a sign of the times, while they say, "Where is the promise of His coming?" etc. 2. Others will meet all statements on the subject with "Wishes it may not be true," etc. 3. God's own people will say, "Come, Lord Jesus; we have been looking for Thee," etc. 4. The testimony of God's Word as to the accompaniments of this day. 5. What is the lesson from all this? "What manner of persons," etc. 6. Seek to promote things that will survive the last fire. 7. The prospect of a dissolving world is a more practical motive force than the prospect of death. This is the apostolic motive power. (J. Cumming, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. |
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