Matthew 24:23-44; Psalm 123

Matthew 24:23-44
As we move into the end of the Great Tribulation, world conditions will worsen. False messiahs and false prophets will rise up performing great signs and wonders, and they will deceive many. We are warned not to believe anyone who claims to be the Messiah. When Jesus returns, there will no doubt in anyone's mind that it is He! According to v. 30, He will come on "the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Jesus continues this discourse with 3 illustrations that show signs of coming things:  the fig tree, vv. 32-35, the days of Noah, vv. 36-42, and the thief in the night. vv. 42-44. All of these illustrations tell us to watch and be ready. We are assured that God's words will never disappear, v. 35.

v. 36 is very important, "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." Every few years someone comes out with a prediction (usually with a book or other items to sell) predicting that Jesus is coming back on a certain date. A man named David Meade made just such a prediction in April 2017 and April 2018! Wrong both times! Do not fall for anything like this. My mother used to say when we would hear of such a prediction that we could be sure that Jesus would NOT return on that day because the Bible says no one knows--not men, angels, or even Jesus Himself!

Psalm 123
We should look to God who sits enthroned in heaven. If we look at the troubles around us, we will be anxious and discouraged. So we must look to God and "keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy." I like this emphasis. Look to God and keep looking to God! There is never a time when we don't need God. When we get through one situation, another one immediately arises, and we need God every day!

Keep looking to God just as a servant keeps his or her eyes on the master. They watch for signals with the intent to obey. And so as we look to God, we have the attitude that as He works in our lives, we will obey and live in such a way so as to please Him. v. 2

As so HOW do we look to God? Through His Word! He has left us in this book everything we need to know and live for God.

MEDITATION:  "I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven. We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy." Psalm 123:1-2