32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
-Matthew 24:32-35
Jesus instructs the Apostles to observe the signs of the times. Having given them plenty to work with, they should be able to see the fulfillment of Christ's prophecy at its very beginnings - and then take appropriate action. Regarding the *near* fulfillment, this means that they should be able to get out of Jerusalem the moment it becomes obvious that the jews will revolt against Rome. The wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, etc., will all start to lurch forward in history and the Church led by the Apostles will know it is time to flee.
When it comes to the *far* fulfillment, the return of Christ in glory, we too must watch for the signs. They have been given to us as well, with the world being in a constant state of nearness to Judgment Day. Only the practical response is quite different my friends. As believers, we are best prepared for the coming Day of the Lord by doing our best to live holy lives. As St. Peter says in 2 Peter 3:11-13
"Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
The Apostolic era Church fled to the wilderness during the first jewish war. We flee worldliness and unrighteousness, staying as aloof as possible from the degenerate cultures around us. Yet they also stressed having a strong moral compass, living as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven rather than the kingdoms of the world; awaiting the same hope, we take the same emphasis. Let us focus less on the signs of politics or world events, and more on being the most virtuous, faithful and God-pleasing Christians we could possibly be.
