The Second Coming of Christ: What Nature Teaches Us About His Arrival

“For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass there the vultures will gather . . .  Immediately after the distress of those days . . . Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven.”

Matthew 24:27-28

Dear Friends,

Have you ever looked up in the sky and noticed birds circling overhead? If so, you likely made the assumption that something in that general vicinity had died. Even if you couldn’t see the decomposing carcass, the birds of prey signaled that something was there. The same is true of lightning. When you see a flash of light and hear the rumble of thunder, you know a storm is approaching.

Last Sunday, I witnessed both of these natural signs. On my way home from church I startled a large bird that had been sitting in the middle of the road. As I watched him take off and perch in a nearby tree, I realized this majestic creature was an eagle, and he had been feasting on some roadkill near my home. Scavenging is what eagles—and other birds of prey—sometimes do, and it’s common to find them near dead animals.

Later in the day, the sky grew dark as clouds rolled in from the southwest and lightning flashed across the sky, signaling an impending storm.

The Second Coming of Christ

Jesus used these familiar signs—birds of prey and lightning—to illustrate a spiritual truth: His return to earth will be unmistakable.

Even today, many people try to predict the timing of Christ’s return or claim He has already come. But Jesus reassured His disciples that there would be no doubt when that day finally arrives.

As Jesus and His followers sat on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem, the disciples asked Him what signs would indicate the end of the age. He began by warning them not to be deceived. 

Throughout the centuries, many false messiahs and prophets have appeared, performing signs and wonders intended to mislead, even leading true believers astray. Jesus emphasized that understanding the unmistakable nature of His second coming would help believers stay rooted in truth, especially during times of suffering and persecution. 

Every Eye Will See Him

Jesus, referring to nature, pointed out that just as a bolt of lightning streaks across the sky for all to see, and vultures gather to feed on a carcass, every eye will see the Son of Man’s return to earth. No one will be able to deny it. 

John echoed this truth in the book of Revelation:

“Look, He is coming with the clouds. And every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all peoples on earth will mourn because of Him (Revelation 1:7). 

Joyful Anticipation or Moment of Sorrow

The second coming of Christ is a joyful anticipation for those who belong to Him. While we wait for that blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior—we are called to live godly, self-controlled lives in this present age (Titus 2:11–13). Though challenging, especially amid cultural opposition or persecution, we persevere with hope.

Yet for those who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior, His return will be a moment of deep regret and sorrow. In the blink of an eye, they will recognize the truth—and mourn that they never responded to the good news of salvation.

Though thousands of years have passed since Jesus spoke with His disciples on the Mount of Olives, His promise remains:

He will return – and when He does, no one will be able to deny it. 

Love,

Mama