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The end: not secret, not predictable

July 3, 2024
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Daily Scripture

Matthew 24:23-27, 36-39

23 “Then if somebody says to you, ‘Look, here’s the Christ,’ or ‘He’s over here,’ don’t believe it. 24 False christs and false prophets will appear, and they will offer great signs and wonders in order to deceive, if possible, even those whom God has chosen. 25 Look, I’ve told you ahead of time. 26 So if they say to you, ‘Look, he’s in the desert,’ don’t go out. And if they say, ‘Look, he’s in the rooms deep inside the house,’ don’t believe it. 27 Just as the lightning flashes from the east to the west, so it will be with the coming of the Human One [or Son of Man].

36 “But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the heavenly angels and not the Son. Only the Father knows. 37 As it was in the time of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Human One [or Son of Man]. 38 In those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark. 39 They didn’t know what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. The coming of the Human One [or Son of Man] will be like that.

Daily Reflection & Prayer

Jesus’ disciples, like many of Jesus’ followers today, had lots of questions about the end of the world (cf. Matthew 24:3). In his reply, Jesus stressed two key things. First, he said there would be nothing “secret” about his coming (an idea the apostle Paul also had to correct—cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:2). It would be like a lightning flash, seen from east to west. Second, there were no “signs” that would allow us to pinpoint the exact time of the end. Don’t worry about “when,” he said. Only God knows that.

  • In verses 23-24, Jesus said to beware of false messages about the end of the world. At times, even seemingly learned preachers announce confidently that they (and only they) know how the end will (or has) come. “When the true Messiah–[Jesus] himself, of course–is revealed, then there will be no question. His ‘royal appearing’… will leave no room for doubt. You won’t have to pierce any disguise. You will know.” * How can Jesus’ clear teaching save you from needless supposing?
  • Before the end, Jesus said, people (as in the Genesis 6-8 Flood stories) will be “eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage.” Those are useful, normal pursuits. But assuming that daily life’s routines mean nothing will ever change, and that God’s return is a foolish myth, is a mistake (as 2 Peter 3:3-4 pointed out). How can you live each day without anxiety, but with your heart open to the promise that Earth’s story will end with Jesus’ return and God’s victory over evil?
Prayer

Loving Lord, despite what my curiosity sometimes wishes, you didn’t spell out many details about the end. But you did promise that if I am your child, the end will be good, whenever it happens. Amen.

GPS Insights

Picture of Gabby Delpleash

Gabby Delpleash

Gabby Delpleash serves Resurrection as a returning summer intern within the Worship Experience ministry, where her spiritual gifts are used to organize resources for the work of Christ. Gabby will be a sophomore at Creighton University as a College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Fellow where she is pursuing a major in Biochemistry with a double minor in Biology and Music on the pre-medicine track. When Gabby’s not serving or studying, she can be found anywhere outside on a long run, obsessing over books from her favorite authors or getting way too competitive in a game of Pickleball.

As we reflect on today’s Scripture from Matthew, Jesus goes to great lengths to warn against being misled by false claims of his return, emphasizing that his Second Coming will be clear and undeniable like “lightning flashing across the sky.” Jesus states that no one knows the exact time of his return except God the Father and that his return will be sudden and unexpected, similar to the flood in Noah’s time.

Now for a more interesting explanation of the above, let’s illustrate today’s lesson by bringing in my favorite book series (Harry Potter), and focusing on the best literary villain to ever exist: Lord Voldemort (sorry, I meant to say “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named”). A warning for GPS readers unfamiliar with Harry Potter–the following explanation contains mild spoilers, so read at your own risk. Voldemort’s return to the wizarding world is a significant event that many initially refuse to believe despite various signs and warnings throughout the first three books. When Voldemort’s eventual return becomes clear and undeniable, it upends the entire world, including Harry’s last term at the imaginary “Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.” This mirrors Jesus’ warning about false prophets and false Christs, emphasizing that his return will be obvious to all, much like Voldemort’s eventual undeniable presence. (Obviously, Voldemort’s return was a bad thing, while Jesus’ return will be the best thing ever.)

Matthew’s take-home objectives for consideration are trusting in God’s plan, being prepared, and living faithfully. Just as Harry, Ron and Hermione needed to trust in Dumbledore’s guidance to prepare for the Battle of Hogwarts against Voldemort, we are encouraged to trust in God and remain vigilant for Jesus’ return. Even though we don’t know the exact timing, we should let God lead our lives, much like Britain’s favorite witches and wizards continued their fight against evil despite uncertainty.

Just as Harry and his friends relied on Dumbledore’s wisdom and prepared for their ultimate battle, we too must trust in God’s plan, be ready for Jesus’ return and live faithfully. Despite his uncertainty of timing, letting God take the lead in our lives ensures that we are prepared for significant events and remain steadfast in our faith.

© 2024 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References

* Wright, N. T., Matthew for Everyone, Part 2: Chapters 16-28 (The New Testament for Everyone) (p. 116). Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition.