The world's greatest moment will be its last moment.

It will be the DAY OF THE SON OF GOD. This important teaching is given several times in our text, Luke 17:20-37. Read it carefully. Notice that Jesus began talking of His great day in connection with the coming of the Kingdom. They are the same.

Now, as you study the text do so in the light of the following observations concerning the Day of Christ!

I. IT WILL BE A DEFINITE DAY

The Pharisees asked Jesus the very question that is in many minds today: When is the kingdom of God finally coming? What a pity that men have not listened to Jesus' reply!

The kingdom of God is one of the broad studies of Scriptures. After man first sinned, God began to work toward His kingdom. At first the kingdom was obviously and outwardly a national group--Israel. But Jesus began the great INNER phase of the kingdom. He taught men God wanted their hearts and lives as a throne of God. "The kingdom of God is in your midst," verse 21.  In other words, God's kingdom is NOW a very real matter.

BUT READ ON IN THE TEXT! Jesus further explains that the kingdom is yet to come in its full manifestation.  We now see but the bud, soon will come the full bloom -- the eternal phase of God's kingdom.

Before this could happen, the Lord was to be humiliated and slain, verse 25, and there is apt to be discouragement as men await the future glory, verse 22.

However, the DAY OF CHRIST will come. It will be as definite as the lightning that shines from horizon to horizon, verse 24. Multiplied millions might watch an event  on television, but every eye will see the Lord Jesus Christ when He returns to the earth, Revelation 1:7.

II. IT WILL BE AN UNEXPECTED DAY

Strikingly God here teaches both delay and suddenness.

In Noah's day and in Lot's time men were carrying on their business and satisfying themselves. Judgment was far away -- they thought. Suddenly, there was the judgment -- water and the fire!

"It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed,"  warns Jesus. See verses 26-30.

Here is practical atheism which exists today!  The student studying civics -- does he think of the heavenly country?  The business man -- does he remember that one day all will be destroyed except those things eternal?  The young woman preparing for marriage -- does she prepare for the Groom from heaven?  The athlete boasting a name for himself -- does he seek that Name which is above every Name?

Sometime some ordinary day will come.
A busy day, like this, filled to the brim,
With ordinary tasks -- perhaps so full,
That we have little care or thought for Him.
And there will be no hint from silent skies
No sign, no clash of cymbals, roll of drums --
And yet that ordinary day will be
The very day before our Lord returns!
The day before we lay our burdens down,
And learn instead the strange feel of a crown
The day before all grieving will be past,
And all our tears be wiped away at last!
O child of God, awake and work and pray!
That ordinary day might be -- today!
Make ready all thine house -- tomorrow's sun
May dawn upon the Kingdom of God's Son.

III. IT WILL BE A DECISIVE DAY

All the world's present happenings lumped together cannot make a ripple when compared with the wondrous DAY OF CHRIST.  No election ever held, or war ever fought, will touch it.  Here are two decisive aspects of this great day:

First, it will disclose the secrets of all hearts.  "Remember Lot's wife," said Jesus in sublime simplicity, verse 32.  She was apparently going God's way and escaping the coming judgment, but her heart was still back among her earthly things.  She lost all -- her soul.

Every hidden deed, all motives will be put to the test.  The Scripture says this will  "take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares," Romans 2:16.

Secondly, it will divide among men.  Read verses 33 and following.  Two will be working side by side -- one taken and another left.  Separated forever!  Too late to change hearts!  Destiny decided.

What a day of days!  Moment of moments!  The Day of Christ!

"But when?" the disciples asked Jesus in Acts 1:6.  Jesus responded, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

When He comes may we be found out in the field, bending to the task!

What of you, friend?  Are you prepared to meet your God?  God requires that you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior or face Him as Judge.  Which for you?