Confession: if I had my way, I would clip out the apocalyptic portions of the Bible. The symbolic language and absence of specific dates leave me hanging, but Jesus wouldn’t have it any other way. God knows the information He shared was not only sufficient, but it was what I could handle.
Because of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:12-14
Jesus’s warning seems to indicate that he knows that I would be tempted to treat him like an idea and not the reality that my existence depends upon. There’s more to it; I am called to take the stand as a witness and (in legal terms) testify to what I know is true. In some mysterious way, my tiny role plays a part in paving the way for Jesus’s return.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35
When it looks like the enemy is winning, the world falls apart, those I love the most pass on and I fall short, God’s word remains strong and true. It cannot be overcome.
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:36
Who am I to demand information that even the Son of God didn’t have? What would be just as wrong is for me to presume to know something that God has intentionally not revealed. Jesus has put me “on call” and actively anticipate his coming.
Lord, I confess that I don’t understand what it looks like to live day to day expecting your arrival. Guard my heart and teach how to live in active anticipation of your coming. Amen
Klueh
Sixty-six books in a year 