The Beginning of the End
Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44
36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
Observations:
The day Jesus gave His disciples a glimpse of the end of the world they got more than they bargained for. Among the many unusual phenomenon causing chaos during the end of time before Christ returns will be wars, famine, betrayal, rebellion, persecution, deception, apostasy, earthquakes, and the like. Not really what you call a very optimistic view of the future. However, into the midst of such chaos Christ promised to return once and for all to rescue those who belong to Him. Unfortunately, not everyone will be ready. Jesus explicitly states that there will be those who will be so preoccupied with their lives that they will miss it and not even realize it until it's too late and will consequently forfeit any hope of eternal life. On that same note Jesus also warned his disciples to watch for his return as if to suggest that they too might succomb to the same fate as the rest of the world unless they too took precaution.
Application:
Today we live in a time when the world is accelerating at such rapid speed that so much is happening so fast that a lot of times it's hard to find time to slow down long enough to focus on the things that matter the most. However, regardless of what is going on all around around us, we cannot afford to get caught up in the commotion of trival things at the expense of the eternal. As believers we have been given a different perspective from which to view the world around us- the view from eternity where the clock is winding down to usher in Christ's return. Little else really matters in light of that fact. Because it is so easy to focus solely on our schedules and merely try to keep up with the world around us, Jesus reminds us today that the single greatest event in history has been set on God's calendar and that the return of Christ must remain our central focus to ensure that we and those around us will be ready when He comes.
Prayer:
Father, help us live every moment in light of eternity. Anchor our lives deep in the hope of your imminent return. Let us see as you see and value that which is eternal as we prepare ourselves to enter your presence forever. May we ready ourselves and others for the finality of your Kingdom as the world around us fades away.
36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
Observations:
The day Jesus gave His disciples a glimpse of the end of the world they got more than they bargained for. Among the many unusual phenomenon causing chaos during the end of time before Christ returns will be wars, famine, betrayal, rebellion, persecution, deception, apostasy, earthquakes, and the like. Not really what you call a very optimistic view of the future. However, into the midst of such chaos Christ promised to return once and for all to rescue those who belong to Him. Unfortunately, not everyone will be ready. Jesus explicitly states that there will be those who will be so preoccupied with their lives that they will miss it and not even realize it until it's too late and will consequently forfeit any hope of eternal life. On that same note Jesus also warned his disciples to watch for his return as if to suggest that they too might succomb to the same fate as the rest of the world unless they too took precaution.
Application:
Today we live in a time when the world is accelerating at such rapid speed that so much is happening so fast that a lot of times it's hard to find time to slow down long enough to focus on the things that matter the most. However, regardless of what is going on all around around us, we cannot afford to get caught up in the commotion of trival things at the expense of the eternal. As believers we have been given a different perspective from which to view the world around us- the view from eternity where the clock is winding down to usher in Christ's return. Little else really matters in light of that fact. Because it is so easy to focus solely on our schedules and merely try to keep up with the world around us, Jesus reminds us today that the single greatest event in history has been set on God's calendar and that the return of Christ must remain our central focus to ensure that we and those around us will be ready when He comes.
Prayer:
Father, help us live every moment in light of eternity. Anchor our lives deep in the hope of your imminent return. Let us see as you see and value that which is eternal as we prepare ourselves to enter your presence forever. May we ready ourselves and others for the finality of your Kingdom as the world around us fades away.
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