June 4, 2014

“They Will…”

Blessing folk!

The disciples questions:

When will these things happen?
What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?

Jesus’ response:

See to it that no one misleads you.
See to it that you are not frightened.

There will be increased attempts at deception.
There will be increases in wars and rumors of wars.
There will be famines and earthquakes.

Look carefully at what the Lord says next…

Matthew 24:9
9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

A timing element - “then”.
As deception, war and phenomenon in nature increase…

Then “they”...who is “they”?
Those of the world...many who will describe themselves as “religious” and “people of faith”.

“They” will deliver you to tribulation.
Who is “you”?

The Lord is speaking to four of His apostle/disciples.
But, the context allows for more than the immediate listeners to be included.
Also, since we are many generations removed from this discourse, we can know that it applies to a time yet future. (Many of the things we have yet to examined have not occurred)

They...the unbelievers...will deliver you...the Believers...to tribulation/affliction.
This is not “the great tribulation”. That is addressed later in the passage.
It simply means that Believers will undergo persecution.
Yes, Believers have endured such from the beginning.
But, remember, Jesus is answering their questions.
He is addressing a time yet to come.

Jesus tells us that…
- tribulation will come.
- they will kill us.
- we will be hated by all nations.

Why?

Because of His name.
Because we rest and trust in Him.
Because we do not and will not deny Him.

Jesus tells us what is to occur.
In Him we can endure.
Outside of Him we will fail.

Determine now where you will stand.