Different Question, Same Answer

Scripture: While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3

Observation: The disciples ask Jesus about the end of days, and Jesus proceeds to tell them about five events - widespread conflict, false teachers, the persecution of the church, the 'great tribulation', and the true second coming of Christ. The question everyone since has tried to figure out is these are identifiable events, or long-running trends, leading up to the end times. I certainly am not able to address that question. However, through all of these items, Jesus is clear about two messages.

First, stay clear in your faith. Do not be deceived by false teachers, those who come declaring a new Messianic message. The second message is to stay calm. Do not be discouraged by wars, conflicts, and disasters. In both ways - clear faith and calm demeanor - endure persecution to the end. And those who do will see Jesus return in glory ... "they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Application: Stay clear, and stay calm. These remain Jesus' charge for his church. Clarity comes with understanding - reading and learning together to understand Jesus' teachings. Calmness comes with faith - faith in salvation expressed through baptism.

In other words, Jesus might have just been telling us "who cares when the end times really come, but be a good church and you'll be prepared." He provided details, but the truth is he did not answer the 'when' question, and he didn't really answer the 'what sign' question. He simply said there will be challenges, and we are to remain focused on the work of the church that he has set before all his disciples.

I can hope for the end to come, but I am to be involved in making disciples ... of others, and of myself, every day.

Prayer: Lord, please give me joy entering another Alpha season. I know I will get down about 'losing' my Tuesday evenings every week. However, I also know this is the great work you would have me do. I am thrilled to be able to join you in your ministry, and I hope you can use me to guide someone to faith in Jesus as Lord and savior. Here I am. Amen.