February 2 - Matthew 24: The End Will Come

We live in a culture that encourages us to live everyday as we wish, according to what feels best to us and what will make us most happy. It doesn't tell us that our actions have consequences, certainly not eternal consequences. The prince of this age deceives us into thinking this is all there is.

But Jesus tells us something different. He gives us a glimpse of the end to come, and much of it is hard to hear.

Doomsday deceivers claiming to be the Messiah. Believers being persecuted because they confess the name of Jesus. Lying preachers deceiving many. The sun going dark, and stars falling out of the sky. The overwhelming spread of evil. The good news being preached all over the world, a witness in every country. And then the end will come. (24: 4, 9, 11, 29, 12, 14)

Jesus' words are true. What He says will happen. How can I be so sure about that?

Sky and earth will wear out; my words won't wear out. (24:35)

There is an end coming, when God's patience with sinners is done, an end to the earth as we know it. And then He will mete out His holy judgment on those who refused and rejected His Son.

Unready people all over the world, outsiders to the splendor and power, will raise a huge lament as they watch the Son of Man blazing out of heaven. (24:30) 

But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment. (2 Peter 3:10) 

It is mine to avenge; I will repay. (Deuteronomy 32:35) 

The angry nations now get a taste of your anger. The time has come to judge the dead... (Revelation 11:17)

In the meantime, until Jesus returns a second time, I need to take His words seriously. While I may not understand every detail of end-times prophecy, it's clear what my Lord expects of me. I can intentionally live out the days He has numbered for me, or I can be in the "unready" camp. It's my choice, but as always, choices have consequences.

Staying with it - that's what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won't be sorry, and you'll be saved. (24:13)

So stay awake, alert. (24:40)

Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up. (24:44) 

Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. (2 Peter 3:11)

But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:17-18)