Above: Israeli soldiers searching for terrorists in Sderot on Oct. 7.

On Oct. 7, Israel was attacked in a brutal, truly demonic way that has turned the Middle East into an explosive powder keg. The alignment of Russia, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Iraq and parts of Northern Africa seems to be a fulfillment of prophecies made by Ezekiel over 2,000 years ago—prophecies that describe the final conflicts that lead to Armageddon. 

With rumblings of war between China and Taiwan, with the ongoing war in Ukraine, with active shooters creating war in our communities, with the smash and grab tactics of flash mobs who are at war with civilized behavior, with the exploding sex trafficking that is a wicked war on decency, with gender dysphoria leading to the mutilation of our children in a war against the next generation … the whole world is in turmoil. At the same time, our nation is being invaded.

What’s going on? Could we be drawing near to the end?

The director of the FBI recently revealed there is dangerous chatter online indicating an imminent terrorist attack on America. His warning urging Americans to stay alert seems appropriate also for followers of Jesus, who may very well be living at the end of human history as we know it.

Read Matthew 24:42-51

Jesus concluded His prophecy regarding the characteristics that describe the last generation by challenging His disciples to stay alert.

I. STAY ALERT BY WATCHING

• What do you think watching means? Write down the dictionary definition.
• What do you think Jesus meant by “Keep watch” in Matthew 24:42?
• Why is this important, according to Matthew 24:42-44?
• What are some things that accompany watching, according to the following verses? Psalm 130:6; Proverbs 8:34; Micah 7:7; Habakkuk 1:5; Matthew 7:15 with 24:4, 11; Luke 21:36; Colossians 4:2.
• Substitute church, family or America for Israel in Ezekiel 33:7. What does this mean to you in your context as a “watchman”?
• What are some practical things you can do to stay alert as a watchman? 

II. STAY ALERT BY WORKING

• From Matthew 24:45-47, what does Jesus want to find you and me doing when He returns?
• Is this an easy assignment? If not, why? Give phrases from Nehemiah 4:11, 19; 6:9. 
• What kind of work do you think Jesus was referring to in Matthew 9:35-38? Relate this to 2 Timothy 4:5.
• Give another aspect of the work from John 6:28-29.
• How does John 9:4 imply an urgency to our work?
• What does 1 Corinthians 3:13 indicate is our motivation? 
• If Jesus returns in the next five minutes, what will He find you doing?
• Would you take a moment now to ask Him to give you a work assignment—something you can do for Him while you stay alert? 

III. STAY ALERT BY WALKING 

• What do you think it means to walk with God? See 1 John 1:6-7; Ephesians 4:1-3; Micah 6:8. 
• Based on the above description, how “healthy” is your walk?
• What difference did walking with God make to Enoch? Genesis 5:21-24.
• What difference did walking with God make to Noah? Genesis 6:8-18 and 7:23.
• What difference did walking with God make to Abraham? Genesis 18:16-19.
• How can you apply each of the above situations to your own walk?
• What does Jesus not want to find you doing, according to Matthew 24:48-51?
• In light of the imminent return of Jesus, how are you to live? 1 Peter 4:7; 2 Peter 3:11-12, 3:14, 3:17-18. 
• How does the hope of the return of Christ impact your life, according to 1 John 3:3? Can you give an example of this impact from your own life? 
• What are some practical things you need to do to adjust your walk and keep pace with His timing as you stay alert?

While we can’t predict when Jesus will return, we do know He is coming. And one day, either at His return or our death, we will stand face-to-face with Him. If you and I live our lives expecting to see Jesus in the next five minutes, and we don’t, what have we lost? Nothing! What have we gained? Everything! So … stay alert! You can’t lose … and you will be glad you did!  ©2024 Anne Graham Lotz

This article is adapted from a study originally published in September 2011. 

Anne Graham Lotz has proclaimed God’s Word worldwide for more than 40 years. Her newest book, which she co-authored with her daughter Rachel-Ruth Wright, is Preparing to Meet Jesus—Moving From Salvation to Transformation. It can be ordered from major booksellers online.

Photo: Liv Koren Polaris / Newscom