RE: The Curmudgeon's Bible - "The Man of Lawlessness"
In Matt 24:3 The disciples are becoming very focused on His return. They ask "What will be the sign of your return." I always thought that the reason that this question came up was partly because they wanted to know how long they were going to be without Jesus there to help them. But the other part of it I believe they were interested in what they could get away with, like when the teenagers stay home from the vacation. "How much time do we have?" The law was the life of the Jew. For anyone who were at this point, 'of the way' it would have been an opportunity for the flesh. I am glad that God keeps this a secret. (no one knows the day nor the hour) Because it keeps you looking through the blinds.
1 John 3:3 (The thought of His coming purifies the heart)
I like that visualization! ;) Yes, we need to stay on our toes.
My understanding of that chapter, after years of consideration, differs from most commentators. Most I have read take the entire laundry list of things Jesus says there as "signs of his near return."
In contrast, I take the list as "all this stuff will happen and be happening, don't let it distract you."
In other words, I think Jesus is saying this:
"You want to know the sign of my return? The sign of my return is my return, which will be unmistakable and un-forgeable."
I hope we see it in our lifetime. Its what I live for. I am completely consumed by Him.
I could not agree more! :) :D