Title Concerning the End/Matthew 24:1-28
Contents
Hymns:
Text: Matthew 24:1-28
*** Concern for the end (verses 1-3)
While the disciples were interested in the beauty and grandeur of the present temple building, Jesus foresaw the destruction of the temple in the future. The Lord's concern for the future aroused renewed interest in the disciples, leading them to ask questions about when the temple would fall and the end times. We feel that this change of interest is necessary even for those of us who do not have time to think about the future because we are so busy living the day to day reality. It requires a historical perspective looking forward to the so-called future and an eschatological attitude to live in anticipation of the last days. When I look back on my life these days, do I have in mind how this society and myself will change in 10 or 20 years from now?
*** Preparing for the End (vv. 4-14)
Whereas many people are concerned with when the end times will be, Jesus was concerned with the signs of the beginning and the end of the end times. The last days will begin when heresies prosper, disasters such as wars and famines occur, and there is persecution of the faith, and the perfect end will come when the gospel is preached throughout the earth. Therefore, the last days have already begun, and the responsibility left to the saints who are waiting for the completion of the last days is to preach the gospel to the world. It should be left to the question of whether to preach the gospel. What is the most important thing I need to do now while waiting for the Lord's return? What can I do for missions in areas where the gospel has not yet been preached?
*** Attitude toward the future (verses 15-22)
When Jesus prophesied of the destruction of Jerusalem, he foretold in advance that the suffering would be severe. He also urged them to avoid the pain as much as possible if it could be avoided, and to pray that it would be easier to avoid the pain. This verse teaches that the fact that there will be disasters in the future is certain, but rather than just passively accepting them, it teaches us to actively deal with them. There can be any number of disasters in our future today. First of all, we should be able to foresee the disasters and difficulties that will come upon us, and we will have to make various efforts along with prayer to cope with these disasters. Looking forward to the situation in our country, what disasters and difficulties do you anticipate in our lives? What should I pray for and how should I prepare for this kind of problem?
*** Attitude to welcome the Second Coming (verses 23-28)
Jesus, who was talking about the destruction of Jerusalem, also taught about His Second Coming in connection with that event. As Jesus feared, throughout history there have been numerous teachings about His Second Coming and there has been much controversy over it, but in the end the Lord's coming will be as sudden as a flash of lightning and will be seen by all. As far as the Second Coming of the Lord is concerned, I should be concerned only with preparing myself clean, without worrying about various opinions. The Lord can come at any time, so we must live more reverently.