Tag: Matthew 24
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.
Keep it simple!
Scripture reading for September 20: Micah 6-7
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
The prophet Micah had a rough time during his years of work. Many people heard the messages He preached, but most were very complacent or even became his enemies because the message threatened their comfort zones and called for repentance and change on their part. It is easier to ‘kill the prophet’ than to apply the truth and change! God’s heart was also broken, for He desired a people who would simply act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Him! (Micah 6:8)
As we read the last two chapters of this prophet, we see in the verses words of Jesus as He walked this earth revealing the heart of the Father and reaching out to lost people, first among the Jews. Through Micah, the Lord called out to the city to heed His word. As Jesus wept over Jerusalem, the Lord “called out to the city”. (Micah 6:9, 16, Matthew 23:37-38) As Jesus looked for fruit on the fig tree, but found none and cursed it, so Micah stated that he was miserable because there were no “early figs that I crave”. (Micah 7:1, Mark 11:12-14) Micah warned that because of our walk with the Lord, enemies would arise from those close to us. (Micah 7:6, Matthew 10:34-36) Jesus used Micah’s words to exhort the people to love God more than they loved their families’ opinions or religion.
Micah saw the judgment of God coming on a people who were complacent and just going through the motions of religious ritual. He cried out in warning, but few heeded. He saw the earth being made desolate because of the wicked deeds of it’s inhabitants. (Micah 7:13) Jesus also warned of the coming day of the Lord when judgment would come upon those who were wicked! (Matthew 24)
So, today, let’s keep it simple! Let us love Jesus Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love our neighbors as ourselves! These are the two great commandments that Jesus left His people. If we do love with our hearts, we will do justly toward God and others. We will show mercy and walk humbly with our God as He leads us by His Holy Spirit! What could be easier? Try it, you’ll like it!
Maintaining watchfulness!
Scripture reading for February 3rd: Matthew 24
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Matthew 24:42-44 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”
Fathers and husbands are expected to be protectors of their homes and families. Prudence in protecting in our day is to have security cameras and alarms installed on or around the doors and windows. Some even have cell phones connected that dial their number when suspicious activity is detected from their home. Jesus also was concerned about protection of the precious souls of men and women! He encouraged a watchfulness from each person over their own souls against the intrusions of the ‘thief’, who would come to ‘kill, steal, and destroy.’ (John 10:10)
Jesus also likened His own second coming to that of the ‘thief’, who came at an unexpected hour! Only those who were ready and watching would receive Jesus as He returned. Some of those expecting to be part of Christ’s kingdom would not be ready and would be left out, having missed the window of opportunity. This happened to those warned of the flood in Noah’s time and would again at Christ’s return. (Matthew 24:37-39) This would be the ultimate eternal loss!
Observations for over-comers: It pays to be watchful! No one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return so true believers choose to stay in readiness! “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach Him.” (Psalm 32:6)
“Keep watch!”
Scripture reading for February 3rd: Matthew 24
Jesus was asked by the disciples: “Tell us, they said, “when will this happen and what will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?” Jesus answered them with a warning: “Watch out that no one deceives you.” (Matthew 24:3-4) He went on to tell them of the deception and persecution that would mark the times of these last days before He returned and the age ended. Their job would be to fulfill His command to reach all the world with the Gospel: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the wold world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
Many church people today are focused on the signs that Jesus described and live in fear. There are wars and rumors of wars but Jesus told His followers not to be alarmed! (Matthew 24:6) This was normal birth pains before His coming! He told them of persecution and many falling away from the faith and betraying believers. There would also be many deceivers and false prophets who would cause the love of believers to grow cold. Jesus encouraged His followers to stand firm in the truth of the gospel and keep on preaching! In doing so, they would be saved and Christ’s coming would be hastened!
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:35-36) We must stay close to the words of Jesus! A relationship with Him is essential to be ready for that day of His return! “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)