Matthew 24: Signs of His Coming (2)

Pray Psalm 56.3, 4.
Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?

Sing Psalm 56.3, 4.
(Morecambe: Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart)
When I’m afraid I’ll put my trust in You, You, Lord, Whose everlasting Word I praise;
I will not fear what foes to me might do, but will in faith to You my crying raise.

Read Matthew 24.1-14; meditate on verses 9-14.

Prepare.
1. When did Jesus say that tribulation and persecution would begin (cf. v. 8)?

2. Why would people’s love grow cold?

Meditate.
The desire to reserve these passages about tribulation and persecution to some brief period immediately before the return of Christ is, I believe, misguided. Here Jesus says that at “the beginning of sorrows”, “then” persecution will begin. Were not the disciples and first Christians persecuted and killed? Were not Christians persecuted and killed throughout the first two-and-a-half centuries of the Christian movement? Have they not been persecuted and killed throughout the history of the Church? Are they not being killed and persecuted today?

Jesus is not speaking of some distant, unknown time, when Christians will suddenly and brutally be persecuted by their enemies. That’s been going on for centuries. Rather, He is telling us what to expect in the time which the disciples referred to as “the end of the age”, but which Peter insisted are “the last days” of which Joel prophesied – the days when the Spirit of God is working to advance the rule of King Jesus on earth as it is in heaven.

We should not be surprised when tribulation, persecution, and hatred break out against us for our faith in Jesus. He told us to expect it (v. 9). He also said that the presence of the Gospel will be like a sword, dividing peoples and causing some to hate (v. 10; cf. Matt. 10.34-46). And He warned that false prophets will arise and try to deceive many – precisely as has happened throughout the course of Church history.

We as believers can’t do anything about that. Others will hate us if they choose, and persecute us if they can. We should not be surprised when it happens, nor should we strike back in kind. Jesus told us to love our enemies and to pray for them, and that’s what we must be prepared to do (Matt. 5.44-48).

We must not allow our love to grow cold, which we will do if we neglect the commandments of God (v. 12). The love that people in the world express might well grow cold, given their hostility to the Law of God. But we must guard against this; and we must prepare to walk the path of obedience and love for the long haul, come what may (v. 13). We must be always ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to preach the Gospel at every opportunity (v. 14; cf. 1 Pet. 3.15). The end of the last days will come when the Gospel has been “preached in all the world as a witness to all nations.” But this is a task that must be renewed in every generation, including our own.

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, and that, despite the sometimes rocky road we may have to walk as the followers of Christ. Let’s be realistic in our expectations about what to expect in this world, and faithful in our duties to love and bear witness to Christ.

Reflect.
1. How can you make sure you are ready to face opposition or persecution with love?

2. Your part of the world is your Personal Mission Field. Are you working to bring the Gospel to everyone there?

3. How can believers help one another “endure to the end”?

“Most men’s love will grow cold.” Even all this, however, will in no way harm those who are noble and firm. So do not be afraid. Do not be troubled. If you demonstrate the patience that fits your faith, these dangers will not prevail over you. You will see proof of this when the gospel will be preached everywhere in the world. Then you will be above all these things that would otherwise alarm you. You will preach everywhere. You will not waste away in despair asking whether you will survive. John Chrysostom (344-407), The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 75.2

Lord, grant me love for my neighbors and the courage to…

Pray Psalm 56.1, 2, 5-13.
Thank God that He is with you no matter what you have to face today. Then offer yourself to Him completely, that He might use you for the progress of His Kingdom today.

Sing Psalm 56.1, 2, 5-13.
Psalm 56.1, 2, 5-13 (Morecambe: Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart)
Savior, be gracious, gracious unto me! Weary, I seek the shelter of Your wings.
Till trouble passes, till my sighings flee. I seek the Lord Who for me does all things.

Wickedly how my foes distort my words; constant attacks and snares await my way.
Pour out Your wrath, consume them, mighty Lord! Bring evil to its end, O Lord, I pray!

Lord, see my wand’rings, see my anxious tears! Help me to trust and praise Your holy Word.
Gladly I know that when I call You hear; I will not fear but trust in You, O Lord.

I will not fear what foes might do to me. I give You thanks, my vows will I renew.
You have redeemed me, set my spirit free, and ever in Your light I’ll walk with You.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).