The Way - Day 256 (Matthew 24)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Matthew 24:1-35
After Christ finished condemning the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, Jesus and His disciples spent some time observing the temple which had been built by Herod the Great (beginning in 20BC). The buildings were magnificent to the eye even though construction was still being done on it and no doubt the disciples marveled at it's beauty (24:1). However, Jesus revealed to them that the temple would be destroyed and not one stone would be left upon another (24:2). Of course Jesus was speaking of a near fulfillment when the Roman general, Titus, completely destroyed the temple by fire. Jesus was also referring to a distant fulfillment after the church age had ended. Confused, the disciples came to him privately saying when will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming, and at the end of the age? The destruction of the temple did not fit into what they had envisioned in their minds (they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately), so they wanted more details (24:3). Jesus gives an explanation by first unveiling the signs before His second coming (24:4-35) and then He uncovers the timing of these events beginning in Matthew 24:36. In verse 4 Jesus details what will characterize this age before the kingdom of God: false prophets (vv.4-5), wars (vv.6-7a), famines, pestilences, and earthquakes (vv.7b-8). Jesus goes on to say that there will be hatred (v.10), deceit (v.11), and chaos (v.12); but those who are His children will endure through His strength (v.13). A great promise is also given here - the gospel will be spread to all nations and then this age of tribulation will come to an end (vv.14-29). The final sign that the kingdom of God has come will be when Jesus Christ Himself appears in heaven and gathers all believers together to begin the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth (24:30-31). Jesus promises that His kingdom would not come until all of these things are fulfilled (24:32-35). Let the truth of what Jesus shared with His disciples drive us to take action and share the message of salvation with all those who will trust in Jesus Christ as their payment for sin.

Matthew 24:36-51
In response to the disciples' question about the timing of the kingdom of God (24:3), Jesus gives two illustrations - a real life example and a parable. Jesus states right up front that no man, not even the angels, know when the kingdom of God will begin; furthermore, He points to the time of Noah as an example of the timing of the kingdom. In Noah's day, people were consumed with eating, drinking, and marrying thereby ignoring their responsibility to worship and obey God (24:38). Then, Noah entered the ark and God sent a great flood upon the earth as judgment for the people's wickedness and failure to love God. Jesus says that this is comparable to what the kingdom of God will be like...people will be consumed with their own daily lives and judgment will suddenly fall without warning (24:39-41). Jesus challenges them to always be ready for the coming kingdom and that means keeping their lives pure before God each day (24:42-44). Following the illustration of Noah, Jesus also shares the parable of the two servants. The first is faithful and wise and manages the master's household while he is away. When the master returns, he finds that his servant has been faithful to do the things he has asked of him (24:45-47). However, the evil servant thinks that his master has taken a long time to return, so he beats his fellow servants and begins to drink with the other drunks (24:48-49). Jesus is clear in saying that the master will come at a time when the evil servant is not ready for him and will face judgment from him (24:50-51). Jesus' message is easily discernible - be faithful in obeying God and be ready at all times for His coming. We should never get distracted by worldly things so much that we ignore our God-given purposes and responsibilities. We have been given gifts from God and our desire should be to consistently use them to bring glory to God and point others to Him.

Dear God, help me to be faithful in using my gifts, talents, and abilities for You. May I not get distracted by worldly temptations, but use the time You've given me to carry out your work.