The End...Matthew 24

Jesus gathers with his disciples and they ask "what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

Wouldn't we like to know?  I mean to have such knowledge of the last days would be a powerful.  What would we do with such knowledge?  Would it spur us to more time spent in good works?  Would it increase our efforts to speak the good news?  Or would it be so distant as to cause us to lag in our service to our God and King?  Most of the time I think that I am glad not to know, to simply trust in the Amazing Grace of God.  But still, for those that are disciples of the Christ, Jesus offers some information.

Do not be deceived, he says, many will come disguised as he, but don't be fulled.  When the Christ comes back there will be no mistaking his return.  If you need signs of his imminent return then know that there will be war and rumor of war.....don't be alarmed, it will not yet be time.  There will be famine and earthquake in various places, nation will rise against nation.  These are the birth pains of the new beginning.  The church and all those who confess in Christ will be persecuted, wickedness will be on the increase.  That sounds very much like today's news doesn't it?  But the gospel yet needs to be preached in the whole world before the return of Christ.  And then there is this....the abomination of desolation.  What is that and how will we know it?

I don't know that I am smart enough but many biblical scholars believe that the abomination spoken of in Daniel occurred when Antiochus Epiphanes erected an altar to Zeus in the temple and sacrifice a pig on the altar.  The abomination that Jesus speaks of may be something similar in the church of today.  Guard the church that those who would twist the truth of Jesus Christ do not take over control of the Body of Christ and pollute the testimony of God's word.  Would that be the abomination of desolation?

The day and hour are unknown except to the Father in heaven, but we can hasten the day by speaking the good news, by supporting our pastors and missionaries who carry The Word to many places that we cannot go to ourselves.  Be ready.  If God calls his elect today, let us be found at work in his vineyard, doing those things which bring glory to the one who is the author of life and the Savior of our souls.

If Jesus doesn't come in the next 48 hours or so, I hope to see you on the Sabbath.  God's best to you.

Pastor Dave