Signs of the Times

Good Morning! 

Today is day 24 of 2020 … and for those of us who have accepted the challenge of reading and studying the four gospels this year, we are in Matthew 24.  In this chapter, Jesus has entered Jerusalem for the last time. He has spent the week teaching on the Temple grounds – often being challenged by the religious leadership.  On this day, Jesus leaves the city, going to the Mount of Olives with His disciples.  Keep in mind that most of the disciples had yet to really hear and accept what Jesus had told them about His coming death.  It seems the disciples were still thinking that Jesus would come to Jerusalem and reestablish the throne of David.  Thus, we see the question …

Matthew 24:3-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away[a] and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Footnotes:

Matthew 24:10 Or stumble

Many Christians focus on the second coming of Christ.  Like the Jews who were constantly looking for the coming of the Messiah, some folks have become obsessed with the subject.  And many point to what Jesus told His disciples in the Mount Olive discourse … pointing out the degradation of society.  While it is true that when we look around at our current culture, we could easily make the argument that many of the signs of the time have become commonplace, the decision remains in the hand of God. 

Approximately two months later, the disciples would once again gather on the Mount of Olives with our risen Lord Jesus.  There He would tell them …

Acts 1:6-11 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Even after the death and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples still thought that He would set up an earthly kingdom. Jesus corrected them once again … pointing out the task He set before them.  And that task remains for all who believe in Christ today.

I believe that, in our linear time, there will come the moment when the last person who will accept Jesus will bow his or her head to pray … and the Father will call all of His children to come Home.  Imagine being the one who shares that message, bows to pray with your new brother or sister in Christ … and awakening in the presence of God, our Heavenly Father.  WOW!!

So, what is the point of our Good Morning today?  Keep your eyes on the prize!  Get about the work of sharing the message of Christ Jesus … both in word and deed.  Focus on reaching and teaching, looking with anticipation to the coming of Jesus.

Blessings to all this good weekend …

Agape’

Mr. Jim

  

Prayer:  Father, help me remember each day that Your task for me is to tell people about Jesus.   In the precious Name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture for today:  Matthew 24:3-14; Acts 1:6-11