Understanding

We have been given a “heads-up!”

“and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24:39)

How terrible to lack understanding. Not understanding “until the flood” was too late.  Being able to understand our need of salvation is a gift most do not receive. How sad. God came to us in various ways making Himself known. We were drawn to Jesus, and believed what He had to say. He was sent from the Heavenly Father with a message and a life to be sacrificed. The words He spoke are Spirit and they are life.  We have been  given a “heads-up.”

Like a thief.

That is how Jesus will break into the reality of men who do not understand. Our Father has given us the gift of His Spirit who guides us into all truth when we are seeking to understand. (John 16:13) We grow to know the ways and thoughts of God. And we know to watch for the signs that were to be before His coming. God has recorded His word so that we would have advanced warning.

Soon, but not yet.

“The testimony of  Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10) His words reveal a sequence of events leading up to His return.    Jesus was talking to His Jewish disciples who had asked two questions. “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) After listing some violent and catastrophic events Jesus said, “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. (Matthew 24:9)

Neither the elect of Israel (the remnant who Jesus will save) nor Christians are hated by “all nations.”  Not yet, but we can see that the world is changing, and it is not for the better. “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.” (Matthew 24:10) Those who are not committed to Christ will seek to save their own skin during the tribulation. Their fear is of man, not God.  How many do you think deny Christ for that same reason today?

“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.” (Matthew 24:11) Do I have to comment on this verse? If you have been nurtured by the Spirit of God for any length of time you have witnessed the foolishness that passes itself off as Biblical Christianity. Souls misled by charlatans or worse, messengers of Satan.

“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13)  Lawlessness is increasing in our city slums to our palatial capitals. Justice is denied and hearts are without mercy and compassion. Living with this evil corruption necessitates our faithful endurance until the end.

“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Now some would say, “We have time enough, the gospel has not been preached to the whole world.” But don’t let their words lull to sleep, for things can move really quickly. God’s plan is not dependent on man. He has angels who do His bidding.

“And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, ‘Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” (Revelation 14:6-8) That is how God will break into the reality of everyone who is living on this earth.

The seeds of inequity have been sown. Men are hated because they carry Jesus’ name, Christian. Many are mislead and lawlessness is rampant. This condition is terminal in every corner of the world. We are drawing closer to that time of tribulation.

Father, You sent Jesus to us with a message, the gospel of Your kingdom. A message telling of your grace and love for those who would believe Your Son. We need Your Spirit to keep us awake, our flesh finds it easy to sleep. And only those who are awake can feed on Your word. We know You hear our prayer because we bear the name of your Son, Jesus. Thank You. 

“It is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” (John 6:63)