Day 55: March 22

SCRIPTURE READING: MATTHEW 24:1-51

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS:OBSERVATIONS:
This chapter begins with a discussion between Jesus and his disciples about the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus prophesied that the temple would be destroyed.

The disciples followed up with a question about the timing of Jesus’ return and the end of the age; the time of God’s final judgment.

Jesus describes many troubling events that will take place before and during the tribulation period which will occur between the time of the rapture of the church and the second coming of Jesus to reign on the earth in the millennial Kingdom.
 
The recurring theme in this chapter is the warning to not be misled or deceived. Jesus warned his disciples not to be deceived by people who would claim to be the Messiah.  He also warned them not to be deceived by those who are prone to interpret all kinds of earthly crises such as wars, natural disasters, and persecution as signs that the end of the age has arrived. Jesus made it clear that these types of tribulation are only the beginning of what is to come.

When the great tribulation period does occur it will be a uniquely terrible time on earth. Thank God that it will not go on for long. It will end when Jesus returns in glory and power with his saints to reign and the earth and to judge the world, separating those who are his people from those who are not.    

APPLICATION:
There are two main messages for the Christian in this chapter:

1. Do not be deceived by those who would predict the end of the age and claim that Jesus had returned. In my lifetime I have seen the tendency among Christians to respond to every world crisis as if it is a sign that Jesus is about to return. 
2. Be ready! While we are reminded repeatedly that wars, natural disasters, persecution, lawlessness are indicators that we are moving closer to Jesus, Jesus repeatedly reminds us that the time of his return will not be known by those still on earth. Our calling is to “be ready” for whenever he does return. We must focus on being faithful to his word and his will and not worry about the timing of his return.

PRAYER:
Lord, help us not to be deceived by false prophets who seize on crisis to play on our fears and lead us astray.  We have only one Savior-King and his name is Jesus.  Lord, guard our hearts from looking to political saviors to replace our one and only Savior.  Lord, help me to live a life of faithfulness to your call, no matter what tribulation comes my way.  My greatest desire is to one day hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”