READ MATTHEW 24
The more we observe the chaotic events of our day the less confidence most of us have in human leaders. Our economic system is teetering on the brink of collapse and America’s politicians are in a panic mode, uncertain about what to do. The Middle East is a potential powder keg and experts in foreign affairs seem helpless to bring about a peaceful solution. Iran, whose leader has openly declared he wants to wipe Israel off the map, is developing nuclear weapons and no one is doing much to prevent it. Eight of ten Americans surveyed say they believe our nation is heading in the wrong direction but they see no leader on the horizon who can turn us around.
There is ultimately only one solution to escalating world problems and that is the return of Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His Kingdom of justice and peace. Over the dome of the capitol building in Washington D.C. there is the inscription, “One God, One Law, One Element – and one far off divine event toward which the whole creation moves.” History isn’t cyclical; it’s systematically grinding toward a dramatic climax…the triumphant return of Jesus Christ to earth.
Matthew 24 records Jesus’ prediction of that ultimate hope. When His disciples admired the magnificent Jerusalem temple, Jesus warned them not to put confidence in the things of this world, no matter how impressive, because there was coming a day when not one stone of the temple would be left on another. They asked, “When will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
The discourse that follows is not always easy to understand partly because Jesus was answering two separate questions: one about the destruction of the temple which occurred in 70 A.D., and the other about the end of this present age, which is yet to occur. Another reason some of Jesus’ words seem complex is that most prophecy is deliberately vague. In order to motivate us to study, to avoid date setting, and to prevent human attempts to deliberately manipulate events, future predictions are often veiled.
Here’s what we can be certain of from Jesus’ words. He is coming back to this earth some day. He is coming in power and glory. His return will be preceded by numerous wars, earthquakes, and famines. Toward the end of this age there will be such an increase in wickedness, spiritual deception, and persecution that many believers and their family members will stumble and fall. However, as His coming approaches, the expansion of evil will be accompanied by a world-wide propagation of the gospel. Then Jesus’ return will be witnessed by all. “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matt. 24:27) While no one knows exactly when He will return, His coming will result in the complete overthrow of wickedness and the reward of righteousness.
Here’s what we must do. Be faithful. Don’t grow complacent. Don’t be deceived by false teachers. Don’t be enticed by the pleasures of this world. Don’t get discouraged when times get tough. Don’t think the world is winning because God seems silent and believers are feeble.
Instead, put your total trust in Christ alone and live righteously, positively and expectantly. Because, “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other…So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (24:30-31 & 44)
“When Christ shall come, with shouts of acclamation, to take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim, ‘My God, how great thou art!’”
** If you are enjoying this study through the book of Matthew with Bob Russell, be sure to check out Bob’s “Falling In Love With Jesus Again” Bible Study DVD and resources for your small group or church.
