Tag: gather elect
Why the mourning?
Scripture reading for February 3rd: Matthew 24
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in the heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:29-31
This was Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples about conditions on the earth at His return in power and glory. There would be a period of great tribulation on the earth just prior to His return. This period would be marked by a darkened sun and no moonlight. There would be great shaking in the heavens, causing the stars to fall. People on earth would be fainting with fear at the supernatural events. Then, suddenly, the sign of the Son of Man would appear. Jesus Christ would come with legions of angels in great power and glory. The command to gather His elect from the corners of the earth would go forth and those watching for Him and prepared would be caught up to meet Him.
However, there would be many from the tribes on earth who would be mourning at His glorious coming! Why? I believe it is because they refused to listen to the warnings of Jesus and the Word of God. They were busy doing their own things instead of preparing for Christ’s return and furthering His kingdom through sharing the Gospel and holy living. The judgments of the tribulation and the signs on earth and in heaven were lost on them. They wrote them off as ‘climate change’ or chance. They mocked God and those warning them.
As you contemplate this description of Christ’s coming, would you say that you are prepared? What signs have you observed that match those in this passage? What is your attitude towards God’s Word?
Prayer: Father, thank You again for warning us through Your own Son of the events at His return. I am trusting in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and Word for escape from tribulation and eternal life. Use me to share this Good News with those still lost in their own willful ways. May my family all be saved. Amen.