👑 The King Is Coming Soon – Hope Beyond the End
📅 January 4 – The Signs of the Times
Monthly theme: The Blessed Hope – Living in Expectation
Year theme 2026: “The King Is Coming Soon – Hope Beyond the End”
📖 Central Bible Text for the Day
“When you see all these things, know that He is near—at the door.”
— Matthew 24:33
🌅 Devotional Thought for the Day
Jesus never wanted His followers to live in darkness about the future.
When the disciples asked Him, “What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3),
He did not answer with fear, but with guidance.
He showed them what to watch for—not to sow fear,
but so that they would remain alert, steadfast, and hopeful.
“There will be famines and earthquakes in various places …
and because lawlessness will increase, the love of many will grow cold.”
— Matthew 24:7–12
When we look at the world today, we hear the same echoes:
nature in upheaval, nations in tension, truth questioned, love growing cold.
Yet Jesus said:
“See that you are not alarmed—this is not yet the end.”
— Verse 6
He wants us not to be afraid, but to understand
that God’s plan is being fulfilled and His kingdom is near.
✨ Recognizing Instead of Fearing
Ellen G. White wrote:
“The signs that announce the coming of the Lord are being fulfilled rapidly.
We should not be alarmed, but lift up our hearts,
because our redemption is drawing near.”
(Maranatha, p. 152)
Signs are signposts, not threats.
They remind us that we are on the way—and that the destination is secure.
Every crisis, every shaking can lead us deeper to Christ.
The darkness of the world only makes the light of the gospel more visible.
“You are the light of the world.”
— Matthew 5:14
Therefore, we are not to stare passively at events,
but to shine actively—with love, righteousness, and truth.
Watchfulness means living in communion with God,
so that the coming of Jesus does not surprise us, but fills us with joy.
🌿 The Watchfulness of the Heart
“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds watching when he comes.”
— Luke 12:37
Ellen White explains:
“To watch means to live by faith each day,
doing every work as if it were the last before the coming of the Lord.”
(Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 212)
Watchfulness is not nervous waiting,
but a peaceful, obedient life in the presence of God.
Whoever remains daily connected with Christ
will be ready—no matter when the call sounds:
“Behold, the bridegroom is coming!” (Matthew 25:6)
🕊️ The World in Turmoil — God’s People in Peace
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars …
See that you are not alarmed!”
— Matthew 24:6
While the world trembles, the believer remains calm.
He knows that God stands above history.
Ellen White comforts us:
“Nothing that happens in this world takes God by surprise.
Behind everything lies His plan,
and His children may rest in His peace.”
(The Great Controversy, p. 631)
The signs of the times, therefore, are not a reason for panic,
but an invitation to draw closer to God.
Whoever sees the world in His light loses fear of what is to come.
🙏 Prayer
Eternal Father,
You hold the times in Your hands.
When we see the unrest of this world,
remind us that Your kingdom is near.
Teach us to watch, but not to tremble;
to hope, but not to flee;
to serve, but not to grow weary.
Give us today the peace of heaven
in the midst of the unrest of the earth.
Amen.
💭 Thought for the Day
“When we recognize the signs of the times,
we should not complain about them,
but lift up our heads—because they proclaim
that the King is coming soon.”
— Ellen G. White, Maranatha, p. 220
💡 Personal Application
-
Read Matthew 24 in its entirety.
Underline the verses that encourage you rather than frighten you. -
Pray every morning:
“Lord, make me watchful and faithful today, so that I do not overlook You.” -
Share hope:
Talk with someone who is afraid of the future
and tell them why you can still have hope.
🌺 Closing Verse
“Now when these things begin to happen,
look up and lift up your heads,
because your redemption is drawing near.”
— Luke 21:28
