to the end (Mt 24:1-14)

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Psalm 5; Ephesians 6:10-24; Matthew 24:1-14

"But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
(Matthew 24:13)

We are now definitely into Jesus' last discourse which is about last things. It will continue through chapter 25. This section nicely ties together with our Ephesians reading, which is that last section of that wonderful epistle.

False Christs will seek to lead God's people astray, but don't be alarmed. There will be wars and famines and earthquakes, but these are the beginning of the birth pains. You will be delivered up and hated and killed. Many will fall away, betray and hate one another. Love will grow cold.

But the one who endures to the end will be saved; and this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed as a testimony to all nations (cf. 28:19) - and then the end will come.

In this final discourse Jesus speaks of (1) the destruction of the Temple/Jerusalem; (2) the last days; and (3) the coming of the Son of Man. Sometimes it appears to be somewhat intermingled. In this section we have 1 (vs. 1-2) and 2 (vs. 3-14). To what extent verses 3-14 speak of the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem is hard to say, but it certainly also speaks of the end, and ties in the gospel to "all nations" which is one of the themes of Matthew's work.

Paul speaks of the battle with spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God, and the God's armor that is provided for us that we might stand firm in the evil day. And finally, Paul asks for prayer that he may open his mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, that he may declare it boldly as he ought to speak...

I was just reading of the eight Yeshiva students that were killed, and many more injured, in Israel yesterday. This sort of thing could indeed be in our future. And though it is not our present circumstances, the enemy is just as real, to seduce us into powerlessness and seeking our comfort and not being concerned about proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom throughout the whole world.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
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You are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil may not dwell with you.
the boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
You destroy those who speak lies;
the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man...
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O LORD;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.
(Psalm 5:4-6,11-12)