The 24th chapter of Matthew has long been a source of debate and theories on when God will bring this creation to an end. In my opinion, options range from what seems very reasonable to extremely absurd. It’s unlikely that your opinion would be the same as mine if we were to discuss the options.
The two things that stand out, though, are the two direct statements, “Watch out that no one deceives you.” (vs 4) and “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (vs 42). This aligns perfectly with our Lenten theme of ‘Enough.’
Our king has admonished us to not be deceived. So, I will look to what he has revealed in the bible, to where he continues to lead by the Spirit, and to whom he places in my life in the church. And I will have faith that together they will be enough to keep me from being deceived.
Our king has admonished us to keep watch. So, I will schedule my life around events that point to his return: I will observe the festivals, celebrations and seasons of the church calendar every year; I will take inventory of my attitudes and actions every month; I will commune and worship with my church family every week; and I will pray every day. And I will have faith that together they will be enough to keep me watching for my king’s triumphant return.
41 “Be silent before me, you islands!
Let the nations renew their strength!
Let them come forward and speak;
let us meet together at the place of judgment.
2 “Who has stirred up one from the east,
calling him in righteousness to his service?
He hands nations over to him
and subdues kings before him.
He turns them to dust with his sword,
to windblown chaff with his bow.
3 He pursues them and moves on unscathed,
by a path his feet have not traveled before.
4 Who has done this and carried it through,
calling forth the generations from the beginning?
I, the Lord—with the first of them
and with the last—I am he.”
5 The islands have seen it and fear;
the ends of the earth tremble.
They approach and come forward;
6 they help each other
and say to their companions, “Be strong!”
7 The metalworker encourages the goldsmith,
and the one who smooths with the hammer
spurs on the one who strikes the anvil.
One says of the welding, “It is good.”
The other nails down the idol so it will not topple.
8 “But you, Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.