Whenever we experience events that are international in scope there is no shortage of people interpreting the events as signs the end of time is near. The event may be an earthquake, or recession, or war. I remember when the Gulf War began in 1990. TV preachers were lined up with their maps trying to show how the war had been predicted in the Book of Revelation, so therefore, the end is insight. Nonsense!
Jesus’ disciples asked him about the timing of God’s plan to establish His Kingdom on earth. Jesus responds by telling his disciples what to look for. Jesus makes three points I think are worth pondering.
Jesus says that wars, oppression, and natural calamities are the normal cycles of history. They are not an indication the end of time is near. Jesus mentions only one condition that will be fulfilled before the end of this present age. The Good News will be preached throughout the world and every nation will hear it. (verse14)
Selah
The second point Jesus makes is that when the Son of Man comes again in glory, no one will miss it. It will not be a secret, or an event reserved for just a select few. The world will know that The King has come.
Selah
Many of the events in Matthew are not predictions of what will happen; they were descriptions of what was happening to Jerusalem and the church. Rome was destroying Israel. People were fleeing to the mountains to be safe. In the midst of this turmoil Jesus’ words in Matthew provide a comfort for the suffering church. The words are a reminder that the Gospel is all about hope.
The Christian has a hope, grounded in the Gospel, that life is stronger than death.
The Christian has a hope, grounded in the Gospel, that God’s justice and mercy are stronger than oppressive power exercise by tyrants.
The Christian has a hope, grounded in the Gospel, that God will comfort the brokenhearted and that “God will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.” (Matthew 12:20)
The Christian has a hope, grounded in the Gospel, that Jesus will come again in Final Victory and vindicate all those who have put their trust in their Risen Savior.
Selah
(Selah is a word It that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. It’s meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)
What does today’s reading reveal to you
about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change anything in your life?
14-Sep-11 Matthew 24:32-51
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