Thoughts From Matthew 24

This morning I was reading Matthew 24 and a few scriptures jumped out at me.

1. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. Matthew 24:9

Can you imagine if you were one of Jesus' disciples looking Him eye to eye when He made that statement? That doesn't exactly sound like a typical Jesus message does it? Words like persecuted, hated, and death might make us want to run and hide. But those were actual words...spoken by Jesus...to His disciples.

You see, when we become Christians we aren't inducted into the "Bless Me" club. Yes, we are extraordinarily blessed and, yes, we have great reason for hope and joy, but that doesn't mean we will never experience anything hard in life. In John 16:33, Jesus said, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. The good news isn't that everything will be all comfy cozy. The good news is that we are overcomers through Him.

2. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:10-11

We read these statements, but what do they actually look like in real life? Well, let's take a very hypothetical scenario to examine. Let's say, hypothetically speaking, that an ultra popular talk show host that influences multitudes of people suddenly starts tooting that we can feel our way to God and believing is no longer important. And let's just suppose that all those multitudes that are influenced by said talk show host fall for this new doctrine hook, line, and sinker. I know this is preposterous thinking and this would neeeeever really happen in the real modern day world in which we live, but indulge me for a moment and imagine if something so ridiculous really did happen. Then what? Well, if we didn't want to be one of the many talked about in Matthew 24, it would be a really good time to put away all the nifty new books we're reading and read our Bible to see what it actually says about God, life, death, and everything else.

3. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27

Don't worry, when the Lord returns no one will miss it, not even CNN.

4. At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coing on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30

I think this verse is so cool for a couple of reasons. First, it talks about a sign in the sky. The first time Jesus came a star appeared in the sky (and wise men took notice and followed it). When the kids were younger we went to a local nature museum that gave a presentation about this star and the theories that surround it. It was fascinating. I'm guessing that if a star appeared the first time we might expect something similar the next time too.

The other exciting thing about this verse is it says He will come with "power and great glory". He's not coming as a little baby in a manger. He's coming as a King that will reign forever. And that's not hypothetical!