I woke to this scene on a cold foggy morning this week; ten turkey vultures, highly visible against the grey sky. My first thought was that I hope that they do not know something that I don’t know and that they were waiting for me. After clearing my head of that thought, I recalled Jesus referring to vultures as He described His return.

Jesus warns His disciples in Matthew 24:4 (NIV) “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ’, and will deceive many”. Jesus continues in verses 27-28 “For as lighting that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather”. Many believe that these verses emphasize that when Jesus returns, it will be obvious—as obvious as these vultures in a tree.

So, be wary of preachers and the like claiming to predict the return of Christ. These folks are vultures. When He returns, you will know; it will be as obvious as lightning in the sky and vultures gathering in a tree. Be aware of the signs of His return, but do not let that distract you from joyfully anticipating it. Act faithfully every day as if Jesus is returning today; and live in total confidence that you are ready.

I Found Him…as vultures boldly perched in a nearby tree.