Matthew 24 reminds me of my 20’s. Unlike the “religious” in the previous chapter, I was diligently building the foundation of my life on solid things that I thought would last. I had a certainty in the things that were permanent. Today’s chapter is a note to the practical. As Jesus left the Temple in Jerusalem for the last time, the disciples proudly pointed to the massive building complex which was the center of Jewish faith, culture and life. Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down”. These men that had spent years listening to Him were still expecting a new political kingdom with the destruction of the enemies of Israel. Later they asked Him to explain, “When will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Their foundation had been shaken. For most, this leads to a desperate search for answers. “Watch out that no one deceives you”. Here is a warning for all, “For many will come in My Name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many”. He talks about a world-wide time of tribulation, but then turns back to the individual. “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me”. What happens when life suddenly changes from what you anticipated?
The disillusioned react in a variety of ways, “many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other”. After the “permanent” things fade, we become susceptible, “and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people… the love of most will grow cold”. Friend, have you grown cold? World events are mirrored in the lives of individuals. Jesus continued, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world and then the end will come”. Is it time to reevaluate the things that are really permanent?
The rest of the chapter talks about the Last Days. While there are people that spend a life time studying the forensics, there are only two things I need to know. First, “there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now”. And second, “But about that day or hour no one knows”. The last days will be horrible, and no one can predict when they will come, but can I avoid them? Some people want to ride the elevator all the way down and then jump just before impact. The thrill-seekers should keep an eye on Israel. Jesus mentions “’the abomination that causes desolation’, spoken of through the prophet Daniel” which predicts a rebuilt Temple being desecrated. I personally will follow the pattern of Noah. “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man… people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark”. Everyone was invited into the ark, but only those that entered were lifted out of the flood. I believe there is a promise of protection for those who trust in Christ. There is a reference to “one will be taken and the other left”. At the appointed time, Jesus will return to take possession of the Earth, but before the battle begins, His ambassadors will be removed. “when they see the Son of Man coming… with a loud trumpet call… they will gather his elect from the four winds”. He gives believers this warning, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come”. The chapter closes with a picture of an unfaithful servant that does not prepare for his master’s return. Rather than keeping watch, that servant partied. “The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him”. Many “permanent” things will change. My friend, is it time to change your expectation into anticipation?