elect (Mt 24:15-28)

Monday, March 10, 2008

Psalm 6; Matthew 24:15-28


This section is difficult to interpret, but we can apply some important principles for our devotions today. As I mentioned regarding the previous section we have three themes interwoven in the discourse of chapters 24-26: (1) the destruction of the Temple / Jerusalem, (2) the last days, and (3) the coming of the Son of Man. Probably all three are in verses 15-28.

I'd like to note a few things:
First, Jesus instructs his people, the elect, to flee tribulation if at all possible. He instructs his people to even pray about its timing so that their fleeing might not be hindered. There are times when persecution cannot be avoided, and God will provide strength and the words to testify for him - but obedience to Jesus does not exclude saving one's life, or the life of one's baby, by getting out of town (we see Paul in Acts escaping a city secretly, for example).

Second, this is the second time Jesus warns about false Christs, that is, false messiahs (v. 5) who will come forth in order to "lead you astray" (v. 4,24). Be warned. There will be a time, or times, when people will be pointed to as the great deliverer, the one to lead the world out of its problems, out of its downward spiral. But I don't think this just refers to people - these Christs may be hidden, they may be in the wilderness or in the inner rooms. Could he also be referring to some kind of claimed secret knowledge or special enlightened path? Or could it be something like the voice of the world or of our culture saying, "Buy this and you'll feel better about yourself!" or "Go this way, or do this, and you won't have that problem any more..." ? We are forever tempted with alternative saviors - generally saviors on our terms, that we understand or can control in some way or another. Don't be led astray.

Finally, Jesus says that his coming will be evident and clear and immediate. It won't be hidden or out in the wilderness. We can keep looking to him, trusting him, listening to him, and following him. We ought not be troubled or afraid, ever, that we have missed his coming. Like lightning in the night, like vultures gathering over the dead, it will be unmistakable.

Jesus talks about "the elect" (vs. 22, 24). [I thought that this was the first time, however, with regard to the wedding feast (22:14) Jesus said, "Many are called, but few are chosen." Chosen is the same word in the Greek as elect. And, he will mention them again in verse 31.] Jesus shows concern for the elect; he teaches God's concern in shortening the days of tribulation on behalf of the elect; he warns his listeners ("See, I have told you beforehand." v.25) so that they will not be led astray.

We are chosen. Chosen by God. Chosen by Jesus. And if chosen, then we are his particular concern, his possession, his delight. Though the way to the feast may be fraught with perils, we will get there - he will see to it. Though all around us be spiraling down into hell, he will be the way and show the way. He will never leave or forsake his chosen ones.

I think we'll see more of this tomorrow...

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Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled...
Turn, O LORD, deliver my life;
save me for the sake of your steadfast love...
Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
The LORD has heard my plea;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.
(Psalm 6)