12-26-18 Daily Devotion

The Gospel of Matthew: The King Has Come
KEEPING WATCH
Wednesday, December 26, 2018 | Matthew 24:36–25:13

On November 1, 1755, a devastating earthquake struck the city of Lisbon, Portugal, triggering fires and a tsunami. At least 10,000—and perhaps as many as 100,000—people died. It was a momentous event that changed history.
That Lisbon earthquake shares many key features with the events Jesus described in Matthew 24. First, such events are devastating. Jesus foretold not only earthquakes but also wars, famines, persecutions, and betrayals (24:6–10), calamities whose destructiveness seems certain to surpass even the worst earthquakes to date. Second, these events are momentous. Lisbon’s devastation was a turning point in modern history. The events Jesus described will be the culmination of all history, preceding the triumph of the Son of Man.
Perhaps above all, however, such events are unpredictable. The Lisbon earthquake arrived without warning—and even today’s most advanced earth-quake detection systems offer only a few minutes warning at best. Jesus said: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (24:36). Even as Jesus encourages us to “interpret the signs of the times” (16:3), He suggests we will not foresee the end of the age.
Our most productive efforts while we wait for His return do not lie in the equivalent of advanced detection systems. In earthquake readiness, the shortcomings of advanced detection require an emphasis on vigilance and constant preparation, especially in the form of earthquake-resistant buildings. Rather than trying to predict the end, we must be ever vigilant, living lives that will withstand even the greatest tumult (7:24–27) and being always ready to receive Christ, the bridegroom (25:1–13). Lamps of the sort Jesus referred to in 25:1–13 needed to have their wicks trimmed constantly.
APPLY THE WORD
If they were not, the flame would dim and produce excessive smoke. What parts of your life might need to be trimmed so that it can give off the most radiant light and so that you are most ready for the coming of Jesus Christ?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

9-16-23 Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19

Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19 :: By Paul J. Scharf Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles The Messiah was a descendant of Abraham. More than that, we considered last time how He was, in fact, promised within the covenant that God made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-3). According to the Apostle Paul in Gal. 3:16 and 19, He is the ultimate recipient of that covenant! Our Savior Jesus Christ is finally the One through whom “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Paul also quoted and discussed that portion of the covenant in Gal. 3:8-9. We ended last time with the realization that the promised Messiah would be the final Davidic king over Israel. As declared then, however, there are several intermediate steps, with accompanying prophecies, which are given between the times of Abraham and David and speak about His coming and the offices He would hold as the greatest prophet, priest, and king. And there are also more ance
Read more

9-17-23 It's Coming

It Is Coming - By Daymond Duck - https://www.raptureready.com/2022/12/24/it-is-coming-by-daymond-duck/ On Dec. 17, 2022, it was reported that Rep. David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island, has introduced legislation to permanently bar former Pres. Trump from running for president again, and 40 Democrats have signed on. Cicilline is accusing Trump of orchestrating an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. At the time of this writing, it is debatable as to whether Cicilline’s legislation will get voted on before the new Congress takes office in 2023, but some conservatives have said from the beginning that the main purpose of the Jan. 6 fake show-trial was to stop Trump from being elected again. Some, including this writer, have said there is no telling what the U.S. shadow government will do to prevent making America great again (MAGA) because they want to surrender the sovereignty of the U.S. to the New World Order (coming world government). It was easy to see this comi
Read more

9-17-23 Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2

Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles, Wilfred Hahn Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Reviewing the “facts” that we cited in Part 1, we noted the hyperbole and downright dishonesty in some instances to support global warming claims. Why is there such bias? Money Precedes Truth Global warming has become big business. Armies of global consultants are peddling false information because it is profitable to do so. Many claimed urgencies are exaggerated by factors of 10X … indeed, 200X in some instances and more. Governments are particularly susceptible to this hype, promising infrastructure programs estimated to cost upwards of trillions of dollars. According to a new report,1 an estimated $3.4 trillion will be invested in renewable energy during the next decade, including $2.72 trillion in wind and solar. By 2030, 54.1% of installed capacity will be renewable (including hydropo
Read more