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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Jesus said, “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:27–28). I say, ‘Hallelujah! Even so, come Lord Jesus!’ You are my eternal Creator, my loving Savior, my glorious King, and my sovereign Lord. All power and glory and honor be to you, the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about a private conversation Jesus had with Peter, James, John and Andrew on the Mount of Olives (aka Olivet Discourse). It began when Jesus’ disciples called his attention to the many beautiful buildings in the temple complex, and he responded by saying that they would all be destroyed. The disciples, shocked by Jesus’ statement, asked him, “When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age” (Matt 24:3). Jesus replied by giving them a sweeping overview of the future, from the destruction of Jerusalem in ad 70 to his return at the end of the Tribulation. He concluded by urging his disciples to “stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matt 24:42). There are many lessons I can learn from today’s reading: (1) I should never put my trust in the grandeur and beauty of man-made structures, for they are destined to pass away (2 Pet 3:7); (2) I should not be terrified when I hear of wars and famines, for they are part of this present age (Luke 21:9); (3) I should expect persecution for the sake of the gospel, for the world will hate me as it hated you (Mark 13:9); (4) I should use persecution as an opportunity to share the gospel, for your Holy Spirit will be there to support and guide me (Mark 13:11); (5) I should be on guard against false teachers and prophets, for many will come in Jesus’ name and try to lead your flock astray (Luke 21:8); (6) I should not believe those who claim to know the exact time of your return, for “concerning that day and hour no one knows” (Matt 24:36); (7) I should avoid getting caught up in the cares and concerns of life, for you have warned me to “stay awake” (Matt 24:38–39). Reflection Jesus told his disciples over and over again that false prophets and christs would come and deceive many. This repeated warning should motivate me to make my calling and election sure (2 Pet 1:10). Am I striving each day to add to my faith, goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love? (2 Pet 1:5–8). Request Father, impress Jesus’ call to “stay awake” deep on my heart. Give me the grace I need to remain sober and vigilant in a world of darkness and slumber. Help me to walk each day in the light of your Word. Thanksgiving Thank you for revealing to me what will happen at the end of the age. You tell me these things, not to satisfy my curiosity about the future, but to challenge my heart with the necessity of enduring to the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Be Ready When He Comes” – Daniel O. Teasley. Meditation Verse: Mark 13:33. |