If you paid attention to the news recently, you probably heard about the flood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that killed more than 700 people in the region. The devastating scenes make us wonder, why did this happen?

World can't help to notice that natural catastrophes increased their number of visit. Every time they visit, people see the news and say, "Oh, what a shame..." and go back to what they were doing. Of course many people helped out physically, financially, and many other ways but my point is that people do not deeply think about why this has happened.

Let us go to Matthew 24. The entire chapter is talking about the days when Jesus will return. Pay close attention to verse 7. "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." Doesn't it sound like the present time? However, I would have to admit there has been only 6-7 years where there was no war anywhere on earth. And Jesus still didn't show up even when there were two great world wars. But there is a hint. Notice the "and"... All these things shall happen at the same time! Although there isn't a major wars around the world now, the tensions are rising as days go by: China vs. US, N. Korea vs. S. Korea, and I don't even have to mention the middle east.

The events that are mentioned in Matthew 24 are happening or about to happen on earth. Friends, I can't tell you an exact date or year when He might be coming. However, I know that the end is near, no, the end has to be near. The world has been wicked ever since sin has entered into the history of humanity and it must stop ASAP.

As Christians, we need to be alert, study God's Word, and warn other people who don't know our Lord Jesus Christ so they can be ready for His coming. Every signs and warnings are to be heeded, examined, and announced. That's our duty as Christians. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations... teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." [Matthew 28:19-20]

But let's not scare people too much. We would always want to mention about Jesus' love and our heavenly reward that is waiting for us, right? "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." [John 14:1-3]