THIS GOSPEL AND OUR FUTURE
MATTHEW 24:14 and 35 NKJV
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Matthew chapter 24 is quite an amazing chapter. Jesus is speaking prophetically regarding the end of the age. I have repeatedly said that I am not an expert on end time events, but this chapter lets us know some of what will transpire.
It ain't goin' to be pretty. Pardon my poor English but grammar will be the least of the problems the world will face. False Christs will arise, deceiving many. Wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. Tribulation will be really bad. Tribulation that I am hoping we who know the Lord will miss.
Then in verses 36-44, Jesus describes what sounds like the rapture of the church. People living normal lives, and then people start being taken by the Lord. Two men in a field and then one taken, poof, and the other left behind. Jesus said that people will not see this coming. Some believe that Christians will experience horrific tribulation. While others believe that Jesus removes His church prior to all the chaos breaking out. I am in the latter camp. I would prefer missing all hell breaking out. But the best I can offer is we'll see and stay ready.
With all that wonderful news, where does that leave us? Our job is to make sure the gospel of the kingdom is preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. This is one of the reasons we have stayed committed to world missions. We want to make sure that we are doing our part to help reach the unreached with the good news of God's kingdom and salvation. Our life here on earth is the shortest thing we will ever do. We want to ensure that as many as possible have an opportunity to receive the salvation that is in Christ.
Okay, you may be saying I'm cool with reaching the world, but what about all this massive drama that will be taking place? What happens in my world? Verse 35 is what gives me comfort. Heaven and earth as we know it will pass away, but Jesus said His words will never pass away. Regardless of what is taking place in the world, what He has said to us is always in play.
He said He would never leave us or forsake us. He said that He would be a good shepherd to us. He said He gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us and to help us. He said we can live in His peace and not allow our hearts to be troubled or afraid. So as I look at the challenging things that are coming, I am trusting the words of Jesus that give me peace and hope.
And as we look at Jesus' words, what He said is extremely profound. Everything around us will pass away, but His words will still be standing. Standing with Him and believing His words will continue to be the most solid place we can ever be.
PRAYER
Lord, I trust You and Your words. Whatever comes my way, I am staying close to You!