I expressed frustration yesterday about the inequality of vaccination distributions worldwide. Then a number of news agencies reported yesterday that President Biden is committing another 20 million doses above the 60 million that had already been committed – that the USA would become an “arsenal of vaccines” for the world. So that’s good, but still far short of need.
But today’s Scripture reading… Portions of today’s reading seem to point to the “end of the age” question that the disciples ask at the end of verse 3, especially the last two verses. But other portions seem to reflect ongoing issues in the world from Jesus’ time until now: For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (v. 7) Finally, other portions of today’s reading seem to target Jesus’ disciples and their followers, especially toward the last half of the first century: Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. (v. 9) Naturally this last verse is also alive and active in today’s world, as we hear during our prayers each Sunday for the persecuted church.
With it all, as I read through these “end times” pronouncements by Jesus I am secure in the confidence that I have that “He will not leave us or forsake us”. Although this section in quotation marks is not a direct quote, here are five sources that say essentially the same thing: Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, Hebrews 13:5-6, Deuteronomy 31:8, 1 Chronicles 28:20. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
See also: September 27 / Matt. 24:1-14
The signs Jesus gives could all be in the disciples’ day, later, now, and likely in the near future. But His focus was on not being deceived and not being worried, but on spreading the gospel message of the Kingdom, God’s presence. Yes, He has been, is now, and will be with us. Alleluia!
FYI My study Bible says that the Mount of Olives where Jesus sat was the place that Zechariah said the Messiah would come.
Thanks for those verses, Fred! I especially love Deuteronomy 31:8.
The part of the reading for May 18 that really hits me is Mt 24:10-13. As you said, people have tried to pinpoint Jesus’s second coming since he ascended into Heaven. So I make no claim that we are in the “End Times” right now.
But the verses surely seem to describe our socially sick society, don’t they? I am particularly saddened by the phrase “… the love of most will grow cold.” It seems to describe the “me first” attitude I see all around. I can only hope that others see our love for each other as a real sign that we are Christ’s disciples, as He said they would.
We need to be that difference…