Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Devotions: Matthew 24:36-51

Jesus Tells About Remaining Watchful

Points:
Jesus continues his teaching of the end times and lets everyone know that, "No one knows about that day, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father". Jesus then relates the comparison between Noah and the flood and how the people of that time didn't really take him seriously. He says it will be the same for his second coming. "...and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away". Then Jesus says something interesting here - he begins talking of the rapture and how two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Then he tells his disciples to "keep watch". Because we do not know the day or hour this will happen, we must be ever vigilant. Jesus tells them of the homeowner who was away when the thief came in and stole his things. If he had known when the thief would come, he would have been there to watch over his belongings. Jesus tells his disciples that the Son of Man "will come at an hour when you do not expect him". Also, just to give them a better understanding of how it will be, Jesus tells his disciples that the servant who is doing what he is supposed to be doing while the master is away, will reap the benefits. "I tell you the truth, he will be put in charge of all his possessions." On the other hand, Jesus gives an example of the wicked servant who gives into violence and drunkenness. That servant will "be cut to pieces" and find himself assigned "a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth". 

Problems:
The problems I see in this passage comes from what Jesus says about Noah and how nobody took him seriously about the flood. It will be the same when Jesus returns - there will be multitudes of people unaware that the end times are at hand and they will pay the consequences. I find the allusion to the rapture also problematic for those left behind. Will they even notice that a supernatural occurrence is at hand and turn their lives over to God, or will they seize the opportunity to rob, loot, and plunder? From what I experience on a day-to-day basis, I would hope the former, but expect the latter.

Parallels:
Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-38

Promises:
The promises from Jesus I find in this passage are of being rewarded for being obedient and faithful. The parable of the faithful servant tells me that those who remain dedicated to God will receive their rewards earlier than those who are lukewarm. The promise is that we shall be put in charge and be lifted up, but on the opposite side of the coin, the promise to those who are unfaithful will be very unpleasant to say the least.

Perils:
Jesus has basically told his disciples that they will be rewarded for staying the course, but has given details of what will happen to those who refuse to turn their lives around and live for him. He has made it very clear that peril awaits those who do not remain watchful and risk being "assigned with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth".

Precepts:
Jesus' commands obedience in this passage, not from just one or two people; not just from his disciples, but from all men. I see the command as this, "Obey, keep watchful, and remain faithful while I am away and you will be richly rewarded on my return".

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by heeding Jesus' words and remaining watchful. I will believe what he says as truth and look forward to his return. I know that if I follow Jesus' teachings, I will receive my reward in heaven.

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