BIBLE PASSAGE:
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples
came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this
happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the
end of the age?”
(Matthew 24:3)
MEDITATION:
The disciples had questions about when Jesus would return, and
centuries later, we still have the same concern. As we observe the
corruption of morals in our world today (many that blaspheme
God’s standards and guidelines for living), it triggers this question
for many:
“How much of this will God continue to allow,
before He decides this is enough, and sends
Jesus to rapture the Godly and pass judgement
on the ungodly?”
We could list all the signs of evilness in the world today,
but the list would be incredibly long, and besides, it’s not
the number of the types of sinfulness that’s important, its
the rotting decay of morals and disrespect of God that’s the
issue.
However, we should look at some of the acts of nature which
could be alerting everyone that the return of Jesus is on a
‘fast track’ of occurring sooner than we might imagine.
God promised that He would not destroy the people of the world again
with a flood, as He did in the days of Noah. He even made a covenant
with mankind and used the rainbow as a reminder of His promise.
Some have taken His symbol of the rainbow and used it as a rallying
point for acts of sinfulness which are in direct opposition to God’s
guidelines for living righteous lives that are aligned with the type of
life Jesus lived.
Although God promised not to destroy the unrighteous with a flood,
we have seen an unprecedented amount of devasting floods recently
in all parts of the world. Could this be God’s way of reminding mankind
of the last time He passed judgment on the sins of the world. In other
words, is God saying to mankind:
“Don’t forget that in the past I destroyed mankind which
chose sinfulness over righteousness, and I will do again.
I won’t use a great flood this time, but when you see the
increase in flooding, it is My reminder to mankind that
judgment is getting nearer, and each person should make
a choice of which group you will be in when the final
judgment occurs”
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then
choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,
whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the
Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land
you are living. But as for me and my household, we will
serve the Lord.”
(Joshua 24:15)
In Matthew, Jesus gives the disciples (and us) additional signs
of His pending return and the final judgment of mankind:
For many will come in my name, claiming,
‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.
(Matthew 24:5)
This is an indication of the rise of false religions arising around the
world. Religions that are focused on following a human being and
not the Lord.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are
not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
(Matthew 24:6)
This is a testament to the kind of unrest we see in our world
today as wars continue to be raged, as a result of hate and/or
greed.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
(Matthew 24:7a)
We can see how this warning is being played out today
through bloodshed and loss of lives when two or more
nations engage in senseless warfare over territories and
ideologies.
However, we can also see the same effect within one
nation as different groups of people align with a leader
who fits their ideology and desires (some which are bent
on defying God’s principles for living a life of one who is
destined for a Heavenly home).
And many are blinded to the hidden personal agenda of
the leader they choose. Some leaders ‘talk’ as if they are
concerned about those who are following them, but the
reality is, they could care less about others as they pursue
their own selfish desires of wealth and fame.
There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
(Matthew 24:7b)
During the last decade, we have seen an increase in the number
and the magnitude of earthquakes. They are even occurring
in the depths of the seas and causing devastating tsunamis.
At that time many will turn away from
the faith and will betray and hate each other,
(Matthew 24:10)
Many churches are closing their doors today due to the
lack of interest and participation of those who no longer
pursue worship, but instead they are chasing their selfish
desires, which leaves no time for worshipping God.
and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
(Matthew 24:11)
Another reminder of the rise of false religions. How do we
know they are false? We know because they are focused on
other things or people, and not on following Jesus and His
definition of righteous living.
Because of the increase of wickedness,
the love of most will grow cold,
(Matthew 24:12)
We have seen the fading away of true love as wickedness
continues to increase. Things that God intended for good
have been abused and corrupted. Instead of sex being an
expression of love between a man and woman who have
become one in matrimony, it has been diluted down to
physical activity for selfish pleasure, that is far removed
from the intentions of God. Mankind has also chosen to
redefine many of God’s principles to align with a sinful
lifestyle they have chosen for themselves.
but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
(Matthew 24:13)
We are reminded that even when the world grows darker
spiritually, those who choose to remain focused on the Lord
and His standards of living established for mankind will be
in the group headed for a heavenly home when Jesus returns.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole
world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
(Matthew 24:14)
The last indicator from Jesus of the final judgment is that the
true gospel of salvation will be preached throughout the entire
world. At one time, this seemed like an impossibility, but with
the availability of the internet and many social media venues,
all parts of the world have been brought closer together.
Jesus tells us that nobody (including Himself) knows when God will
trigger the final judgment of mankind, and this devotional He gave
me for today is not intended to establish any kind of timeline (in fact,
I had another devotional from God staged for this morning, but He
changed His plan).
It is important for all of us to realize that God is real, Jesus really died
so we could be saved, Jesus was really resurrected and is now with God
the Father, sinful lifestyles lead to an eternity of pain and suffering,
righteous lifestyles lead to salvation and a heavenly home, and God
keeps His promises, so there will be a final judgment.
ACTION:
It certainly seems that God is reminding us that the world as we know
it will pass away, and when it does, there are only two destinations for
every individual:
– We can choose to receive God’s offer of
salvation, and commit to following His Son, Jesus
or
– We can choose to live a lifestyle of selfish pleasure
and have no interest in a relationship with the Lord.
One choice creates a destiny with a new and blissful home in Heaven,
and the other one will result in an eternal existence of pain and agony
(including the realization of paradise lost). It is a choice nobody else
can make for us, but one that each person must make for themselves.
None of us know when Jesus will return and we will face our final
judgement, but we need to be living our lives as if could be today.
None of us want to stand before Jesus and hear Him say:
“I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”
(Matthew 7:23)
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for what Jesus did to give me
an opportunity to make a choice of spending eternity in a
heavenly home prepared for me. Help me to block out the
chatter that tries to influence me to make wrong choices.
Teach me the joy of living a life of following Jesus and
fellowshipping with You. When life gets hard and feels
overwhelming, remind me of Your love, presence, support,
and encouragement so I won’t be vulnerable to making bad
choices which are not aligned with Your boundaries for living
a righteous life; a life that creates in me an anticipation of my
heavenly home. Teach me to have an unselfish desire to see
others make right choices as well, and for me to have a sincere
willingness to share how my relationship with You has had a
positive change on my life and gave me a new purpose for living.”
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