December 7 - Fig Tree
Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-31, Luke 21:29-33
Learn from the fig tree. It's not often we are called to allow a piece of flora be our teacher, but Jesus used an example that was close by. Imagine him standing near a fig tree, pulling a branch down so that His disciples could examine it closely. He has it in His hands as He points out the tender twigs with small buds on them. Those surrounding Him are probably looking closely at it as His fingers glide across those buds while He speaks.
Just as the fig tree signifies the imminence of summer with its leaves filling out, we will recognize the return of Christ by the signs He has given us.
Matthew 24:34 offers a very difficult problem. Jesus says, "This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened."
Now, my Bible (NIV) has a footnote which says that generation could be translated as 'race.' That means that the Jews will not pass away until all these things have happened. This changes everything regarding the problem. There no longer is an issue with the words Jesus' spoke and it makes much more sense. Especially as we look ahead to Matthew 24:36 when He says, "No one knows about that day or hour." If He doesn't know, how can He predict a specific timeline regarding the generation that existed at that point.
Jesus is speaking to His disciples about several things. First, He wants them to realize that the Temple will soon be coming down and that their ministry will change in ways they don't understand. He won't be there physically to walk them through those changes and He wants them to be prepared. But, He also wants them to know that the hope of His return should be very strong. Even He doesn't know when it will occur. There is every possibility that He hoped it would happen before His friends and disciples died of old age, but since only the Father knows the exact day and time, we can't be certain of anything.
Jesus next says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." He is using imagery from Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
The foundation that He has given the disciples ... His teaching, His words will remain long after the Temple is destroyed. Until He returns and gathers us to heaven, His words will be our foundation for faith and for life.
December 6 - Return
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Labels:
The Second Coming
December 6 - Return
Matthew 24:29-31, Mark 13:24-27, Luke 21:25-28
After the distress of all of the persecution, the excitement begins. From the Old Testament, both Mark and Matthew quote Isaiah - the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give light, the stars will fall from the sky, the heavenly bodies (planets) will be shaken. Piece by piece the heavens will implode.
Old Testament apocalyptic literature is filled with these warnings. Jesus uses passages from Ezekiel 32:7 and Joel 2:10 as He speaks to His disciples. When we move to the Revelation, we will see more and more of this type of prophecy occurring, using words of Jesus and text from the Old Testament.
In Luke, we find that the sea is roaring and tossing because of the upheaval in the heavens and that men are terrified because they don't know what is coming in the world. (Luke 21:25-26) All of these things are signs that proclaim the coming of the Son of Man.
All three of the synoptic Gospels tell us that Jesus says the Son of Man will come in a cloud with power and glory. I will keep saying over and over that His return will be very clear to everyone on earth. When He arrives, everyone will see this occurring, everyone will know what is happening. Men will be terrified, even those who know what is happening. But, we will all be fully aware of the power and glory of the Son of Man.
Does it seem odd to you that everyone on earth will mourn His arrival? No. Because when Jesus shows up in the clouds, when we hear that trumpet blaring the news of His arrival, it signifies the end. There are no more chances, there is no more mercy and grace. The end has come, it will be finished.
But, for those who are His elect, the children of God, those who have a relationship with Him, the trumpet call signifies a gathering. From the ends of the earth, all will be gathered, no one will be missed.
Jesus says in Luke 21:28, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
We are the children of God. We have been adopted into His kingdom. Though we face persecution and trouble, stand and lift up your heads. Our redemption draws near.
Matthew 24:29-31, Mark 13:24-27, Luke 21:25-28
After the distress of all of the persecution, the excitement begins. From the Old Testament, both Mark and Matthew quote Isaiah - the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give light, the stars will fall from the sky, the heavenly bodies (planets) will be shaken. Piece by piece the heavens will implode.
Old Testament apocalyptic literature is filled with these warnings. Jesus uses passages from Ezekiel 32:7 and Joel 2:10 as He speaks to His disciples. When we move to the Revelation, we will see more and more of this type of prophecy occurring, using words of Jesus and text from the Old Testament.
In Luke, we find that the sea is roaring and tossing because of the upheaval in the heavens and that men are terrified because they don't know what is coming in the world. (Luke 21:25-26) All of these things are signs that proclaim the coming of the Son of Man.
All three of the synoptic Gospels tell us that Jesus says the Son of Man will come in a cloud with power and glory. I will keep saying over and over that His return will be very clear to everyone on earth. When He arrives, everyone will see this occurring, everyone will know what is happening. Men will be terrified, even those who know what is happening. But, we will all be fully aware of the power and glory of the Son of Man.
Does it seem odd to you that everyone on earth will mourn His arrival? No. Because when Jesus shows up in the clouds, when we hear that trumpet blaring the news of His arrival, it signifies the end. There are no more chances, there is no more mercy and grace. The end has come, it will be finished.
But, for those who are His elect, the children of God, those who have a relationship with Him, the trumpet call signifies a gathering. From the ends of the earth, all will be gathered, no one will be missed.
Jesus says in Luke 21:28, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
We are the children of God. We have been adopted into His kingdom. Though we face persecution and trouble, stand and lift up your heads. Our redemption draws near.
December 5 - False
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Labels:
The Second Coming
December 5 – False
Matthew 24:23-28, Mark 13:21-23
I just finished an interesting book. It was complete fiction based on historical truth and a whole lot of supposition. But, it was fiction. Based on the Templars, it told the story of how they had managed to maintain a presence in the world today. The protagonist and the antagonist were looking for the Great Devise – proof that Jesus had only been a man, had been killed on the cross and buried. His disciples had removed his body and then because He had been reborn in their hearts, the resurrection was true in part.
Much of this comes from heresies that were around even in the times of Paul, which is why many of his letters speak so clearly about the crucifixion and resurrection.
As I read the book, I was intrigued by the story, the action, the characters and a little distressed by the main plot, but all along I realized that fiction is what it is for a reason. It was never intended to be historical truth, simply entertainment. However, I was struck by the falseness of the story and how badly I wanted the author to fix his ending. He never did and I set it down at the end of the book with sorrow, knowing that he will always question his faith and never be assured of the truth.
Jesus warns His disciples and us about false Christs and prophets who will do things and say things to deceive us. Even those who know Him personally will be deceived. I love Matthew 24:25 when He says, “See, I have told you ahead of time.” He has warned us, knowing that His warnings will go unheeded by many.
We look for the easy Christ, the quick miracle, the healing that might rescue us from our dilapidated lives. If He’s in the desert, Jesus tells us not to go ut there. If we are told that all we have to do is donate a little money and Christ will save us from whatever mess we are in, don’t pay attention to those words.
I’ll say it over and over and over again. We will absolutely know it when Christ returns. We won’t have to hear it from an evangelist or a preacher or anyone else. He will not come as an infant in a manger again, creeping up on a world that didn’t know who He was. He will come “as lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west.” (Matthew 24:17) We will be sure that it is Him and everyone will know it at the same time.
Pay no attention to the false Christs and false prophets that seem to appear around you. When Christ returns, be assured you will recognize Him.
Matthew 24:23-28, Mark 13:21-23
I just finished an interesting book. It was complete fiction based on historical truth and a whole lot of supposition. But, it was fiction. Based on the Templars, it told the story of how they had managed to maintain a presence in the world today. The protagonist and the antagonist were looking for the Great Devise – proof that Jesus had only been a man, had been killed on the cross and buried. His disciples had removed his body and then because He had been reborn in their hearts, the resurrection was true in part.
Much of this comes from heresies that were around even in the times of Paul, which is why many of his letters speak so clearly about the crucifixion and resurrection.
As I read the book, I was intrigued by the story, the action, the characters and a little distressed by the main plot, but all along I realized that fiction is what it is for a reason. It was never intended to be historical truth, simply entertainment. However, I was struck by the falseness of the story and how badly I wanted the author to fix his ending. He never did and I set it down at the end of the book with sorrow, knowing that he will always question his faith and never be assured of the truth.
Jesus warns His disciples and us about false Christs and prophets who will do things and say things to deceive us. Even those who know Him personally will be deceived. I love Matthew 24:25 when He says, “See, I have told you ahead of time.” He has warned us, knowing that His warnings will go unheeded by many.
We look for the easy Christ, the quick miracle, the healing that might rescue us from our dilapidated lives. If He’s in the desert, Jesus tells us not to go ut there. If we are told that all we have to do is donate a little money and Christ will save us from whatever mess we are in, don’t pay attention to those words.
I’ll say it over and over and over again. We will absolutely know it when Christ returns. We won’t have to hear it from an evangelist or a preacher or anyone else. He will not come as an infant in a manger again, creeping up on a world that didn’t know who He was. He will come “as lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west.” (Matthew 24:17) We will be sure that it is Him and everyone will know it at the same time.
Pay no attention to the false Christs and false prophets that seem to appear around you. When Christ returns, be assured you will recognize Him.
December 4 - Abomination
Friday, December 4, 2009
Labels:
The Second Coming
December 4 – Abomination
Matthew 24:15-22, Mark 13:14-20, Luke 21:20-24
From Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11 we can gather information that Jesus wants us to know. The abomination is a ‘desolating sacrilege’ found on the altar of the temple. When this occurs, it is time to run for the hills. In Daniel, this sacrilege signifies the end. Don’t wait, don’t try to gather your things, just run. The time is at hand.
The city of Jerusalem, though fortified, would no longer offer protection – the safest place is in the cover of the hillside among the trees and brush.
Jewish law prohibited flight on the Sabbath, winter would be terribly difficult in the hills surrounding Jerusalem. The effect that all of this has on the listener is one of extreme urgency. There will be great distress for followers of Christ. Luke is explicit in telling us that they will be killed by the sword and taken prisoner.
The time of distress will be unequaled. No one had ever seen anything as awful, nor would they again.
But, throughout this passage, though the distress is horrendous, there are assurances. Jesus says that those days will be shortened because of God’s chosen people, the elect. Because of these people, much like the few in Sodom that Abraham begged God for, the time of persecution will be made shorter so that they will continue through until the final trumpet call.
This passage of scripture is a condensed version of the Revelation given to John. Which we’ll look at in January. But, we see the same recommendation to the people to flee to the hills. I am reminded of Psalm 121, “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
It is because of God’s gracious love for His people that we will be spared any of the pain that comes to this earth when Christ returns.
Matthew 24:15-22, Mark 13:14-20, Luke 21:20-24
From Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11 we can gather information that Jesus wants us to know. The abomination is a ‘desolating sacrilege’ found on the altar of the temple. When this occurs, it is time to run for the hills. In Daniel, this sacrilege signifies the end. Don’t wait, don’t try to gather your things, just run. The time is at hand.
The city of Jerusalem, though fortified, would no longer offer protection – the safest place is in the cover of the hillside among the trees and brush.
Jewish law prohibited flight on the Sabbath, winter would be terribly difficult in the hills surrounding Jerusalem. The effect that all of this has on the listener is one of extreme urgency. There will be great distress for followers of Christ. Luke is explicit in telling us that they will be killed by the sword and taken prisoner.
The time of distress will be unequaled. No one had ever seen anything as awful, nor would they again.
But, throughout this passage, though the distress is horrendous, there are assurances. Jesus says that those days will be shortened because of God’s chosen people, the elect. Because of these people, much like the few in Sodom that Abraham begged God for, the time of persecution will be made shorter so that they will continue through until the final trumpet call.
This passage of scripture is a condensed version of the Revelation given to John. Which we’ll look at in January. But, we see the same recommendation to the people to flee to the hills. I am reminded of Psalm 121, “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
It is because of God’s gracious love for His people that we will be spared any of the pain that comes to this earth when Christ returns.
December 3 - Persecution
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Labels:
The Second Coming
December 3 – Persecuted
Matthew 24:9-14, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-19
Persecuted for Christ’s name. I have been highly offended during the last several years as I watch schools, governments, public facilities overextend themselves to offer parity to other religious expression, yet completely eliminate the possibility of Christianity having a voice.
As I read these verses, I realize that Jesus was telling us while He was still on earth that this would happen. So, why do I get upset? Why am I personally offended? I can’t change the fact that Christians will be hated and ridiculed simply because we believe in Jesus Christ. Though it is hard to swallow, it is what we are expected to live through. Any righteous indignation on our part will only make things worse.
Jesus says in Matthew 24:10 that many will turn away from the faith because of this, they will betray others and hate the Christians they left behind. It is difficult to watch this happen. It happens all the time whether we believe we are in the end times or not. We see in Luke 21:16-17 that even parents and relatives will betray their families and will even go so far as to put Christians to death.
But what Jesus doesn’t tell us to do is to return the hatred, bitterness and anger. All He asks us to do is to ‘stand firm.’
In Mark’s gospel we find out that our witness to Jesus Christ will be quite public as we are called to stand before governors and kings. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus goes on to say, “make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”
One of the outcomes of our witness to the Gospel of Jesus is that from persecution comes witness. The church saw its greatest growth during the periods of persecution in the centuries immediately following Jesus’ crucifixion. That’s a difficult thing for us to understand, but living a life filled with grace in the face of intense persecution will draw more to Jesus than living a life of ease.
“The gospel of the kingdom will be preached to the whole world as a testimony to all nations.” (Matthew 24:14)
God has a plan in place. We are part of that plan. We don’t know when the time will be or when Jesus will return. He has given us things to watch for – things that are the beginning of the birth pangs. We aren’t expected to know His plan, we are simply expected to stand firm in the face of persecution.
Matthew 24:9-14, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-19
Persecuted for Christ’s name. I have been highly offended during the last several years as I watch schools, governments, public facilities overextend themselves to offer parity to other religious expression, yet completely eliminate the possibility of Christianity having a voice.
As I read these verses, I realize that Jesus was telling us while He was still on earth that this would happen. So, why do I get upset? Why am I personally offended? I can’t change the fact that Christians will be hated and ridiculed simply because we believe in Jesus Christ. Though it is hard to swallow, it is what we are expected to live through. Any righteous indignation on our part will only make things worse.
Jesus says in Matthew 24:10 that many will turn away from the faith because of this, they will betray others and hate the Christians they left behind. It is difficult to watch this happen. It happens all the time whether we believe we are in the end times or not. We see in Luke 21:16-17 that even parents and relatives will betray their families and will even go so far as to put Christians to death.
But what Jesus doesn’t tell us to do is to return the hatred, bitterness and anger. All He asks us to do is to ‘stand firm.’
In Mark’s gospel we find out that our witness to Jesus Christ will be quite public as we are called to stand before governors and kings. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus goes on to say, “make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”
One of the outcomes of our witness to the Gospel of Jesus is that from persecution comes witness. The church saw its greatest growth during the periods of persecution in the centuries immediately following Jesus’ crucifixion. That’s a difficult thing for us to understand, but living a life filled with grace in the face of intense persecution will draw more to Jesus than living a life of ease.
“The gospel of the kingdom will be preached to the whole world as a testimony to all nations.” (Matthew 24:14)
God has a plan in place. We are part of that plan. We don’t know when the time will be or when Jesus will return. He has given us things to watch for – things that are the beginning of the birth pangs. We aren’t expected to know His plan, we are simply expected to stand firm in the face of persecution.
December 2 - Deception
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Labels:
The Second Coming
December 2 - Deception
Matthew 24:1-8, Mark 13:1-8, Luke 21:5-11
Do not be deceived. That is the one thing that Jesus was trying to ensure His disciples would avoid as they looked forward to the end of the world.
They had just walked from the Temple and were trying to engage Jesus in a conversation regarding the beauty of the place. Herod's Temple gleamed in the sunlight! It was a spectacular sight. Jesus saw only the time to come, when the temple itself would be destroyed. The disciples, caught up in His teaching, began to put things together. For them, the destruction of the temple would coincide with His return and the final judgment. They believed that all of this was imminent.
Matthew 24:3b, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming (translated from the Greek word parousia), and of the end of the world?"
Jesus heard their question. He understood their concern, their excitement, their wonder. They trusted Him implicitly for their future. He also knew that He would soon be gone from them and even His knowledge of the final timeline was limited. Jesus needed to ensure that they would remain faithful even though things didn't go as they might expect.
There would be people coming along claiming that they had the answers, claiming to be the next Messiah. Do not be deceived.
You will hear all sorts of things that seem to signify the end of the world. Do not be alarmed.
In Luke 21:9b, Jesus says, "These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."
He never lets them believe that the end will happen in their lifetime, even though the temple will be destroyed. These are just the beginning of the birth pains.
As we put this all into context, the wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilence, fearful events, great signs from heaven, revolutions ... all of these things are simply the beginning. The end will not come right away.
Do not allow yourself to be deceived by people who preach fear because of these occurrences.
The one thing that we must be assured of is that when Jesus returns, there will be absolutely no question. We will recognize Him, we will know what is happening. Jesus will not leave any room for doubt. Do not be deceived by those who preach fear.
Matthew 24:1-8, Mark 13:1-8, Luke 21:5-11
Do not be deceived. That is the one thing that Jesus was trying to ensure His disciples would avoid as they looked forward to the end of the world.
They had just walked from the Temple and were trying to engage Jesus in a conversation regarding the beauty of the place. Herod's Temple gleamed in the sunlight! It was a spectacular sight. Jesus saw only the time to come, when the temple itself would be destroyed. The disciples, caught up in His teaching, began to put things together. For them, the destruction of the temple would coincide with His return and the final judgment. They believed that all of this was imminent.
Matthew 24:3b, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming (translated from the Greek word parousia), and of the end of the world?"
Jesus heard their question. He understood their concern, their excitement, their wonder. They trusted Him implicitly for their future. He also knew that He would soon be gone from them and even His knowledge of the final timeline was limited. Jesus needed to ensure that they would remain faithful even though things didn't go as they might expect.
There would be people coming along claiming that they had the answers, claiming to be the next Messiah. Do not be deceived.
You will hear all sorts of things that seem to signify the end of the world. Do not be alarmed.
In Luke 21:9b, Jesus says, "These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."
He never lets them believe that the end will happen in their lifetime, even though the temple will be destroyed. These are just the beginning of the birth pains.
As we put this all into context, the wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilence, fearful events, great signs from heaven, revolutions ... all of these things are simply the beginning. The end will not come right away.
Do not allow yourself to be deceived by people who preach fear because of these occurrences.
The one thing that we must be assured of is that when Jesus returns, there will be absolutely no question. We will recognize Him, we will know what is happening. Jesus will not leave any room for doubt. Do not be deceived by those who preach fear.
December 1 - Prepare
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Labels:
The Second Coming
December 1 - Prepare
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (Isaiah 9:2)
"A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." (Isaiah 40:3-5)
We spend the month of December preparing for Christmas Day, gifts are purchased and wrapped, decorations are hung, plans are made for parties, cookies and goodies are baked, pageants and concerts are rehearsed and presented. Everything begins to point to the celebration of Christ's birth.
I know that each year as I feel the warm sensations of love and happiness surround me, I want to find ways to extend that into the new year, but before I know it, holidays and seasons are passing and I find myself preparing once again.
While the celebration of Jesus' birth is extremely important to me as a Christian, I think that the reminder of the Advent season to prepare our hearts for His return is so much more important. Jesus spends an incredible amount of time talking about His return.
There is a word that I want you to learn - 'parousia' (pah-roo-zia or pah-roo-shah). It is a Greek word often used for the second coming, but it means 'presence, a being present, a coming to a place - coming, arrival.' It is used in different contexts throughout the New Testament. This is the word that we mean when we say 'Advent.' It is the arrival of Christ among us.
John says, "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." (1 John 2:28)
The word 'appear' in that verse is translated from the Greek word parousia.
2 Peter 3:11b-12 says, "You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming."
In this verse, the word 'coming' is translated from the word parousia.
The New Testament writers fill their Gospels and letters with messages to us to be prepared for the Day of the Lord.
Prepare your hearts, prepare your lives. Make straight the highway of our God. Prepare ye the way of the Lord!!!
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (Isaiah 9:2)
"A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." (Isaiah 40:3-5)
We spend the month of December preparing for Christmas Day, gifts are purchased and wrapped, decorations are hung, plans are made for parties, cookies and goodies are baked, pageants and concerts are rehearsed and presented. Everything begins to point to the celebration of Christ's birth.
I know that each year as I feel the warm sensations of love and happiness surround me, I want to find ways to extend that into the new year, but before I know it, holidays and seasons are passing and I find myself preparing once again.
While the celebration of Jesus' birth is extremely important to me as a Christian, I think that the reminder of the Advent season to prepare our hearts for His return is so much more important. Jesus spends an incredible amount of time talking about His return.
There is a word that I want you to learn - 'parousia' (pah-roo-zia or pah-roo-shah). It is a Greek word often used for the second coming, but it means 'presence, a being present, a coming to a place - coming, arrival.' It is used in different contexts throughout the New Testament. This is the word that we mean when we say 'Advent.' It is the arrival of Christ among us.
John says, "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." (1 John 2:28)
The word 'appear' in that verse is translated from the Greek word parousia.
2 Peter 3:11b-12 says, "You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming."
In this verse, the word 'coming' is translated from the word parousia.
The New Testament writers fill their Gospels and letters with messages to us to be prepared for the Day of the Lord.
Prepare your hearts, prepare your lives. Make straight the highway of our God. Prepare ye the way of the Lord!!!
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