Matthew 24:15–28
Be Still: Lord, help me, as I read challenging words today, not to fear but to trust. Amen
Read: Matthew 24:15–28
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (v28)
Encounter: The days of disaster! We've seen the pictures – desperate panicked crowds fleeing for their lives: bombs, gunfire, falling buildings, massacres, dead bodies; terrified children dragged along by terrified mothers, old men hobbling in despair. Hope crushed.
AD 70, as Jesus predicted, the Romans besiege and crush Jerusalem; the Temple is destroyed. Roman standards are raised in the Temple precinct, 'an abomination', a blasphemy to the Jews. The population – Jews and Christians – flee to escape the horror. They've entered a dark tunnel of despair.
But there will be light at the end of the tunnel. As Jewish Christians disperse in their exile to other parts of the Roman world, they carry the light of Jesus with them – to the gentiles, to generations yet unborn, to you and me. Despite the grim times, God continues to unfold his plan of salvation.
I recall the words of Joseph to his criminal brothers thousands of years earlier:
'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.' (Genesis 50:20)
Let's hold on to that as we consider that Jesus' predictions clearly go beyond AD 70 to the End Times. Jesus warns us that things will only get worse. As we look around at the world, we can only nod. The tunnel is getting darker.
But there is a glorious light at the end of the tunnel. Jesus is coming back and absolutely no-one will miss his coming. There will be no doubt this is Jesus. And his light will banish all darkness.
Apply: Walking in the dark can be scary, especially at my age when I am a bit unsteady on rough ground. Grasping a strong arm that holds a torch showing a little way ahead, removes my fear.
Take hold of Jesus and his Word; he'll walk every step with you illuminating the dark places. You won't fall.
Devote: 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.' (Psalm 119:105)