As we read in Matthew today we see Jesus' teaching to his disciples about the last days. There will be times of destruction. People will lead other people astray. There will be persecution, lawlessness, a decline in love for the Lord. There will be claims that Christ is working miracles and calls which may deceive people, leading them to trust the signs rather than the true Christ who has already completed the work of salvation.
I expect most of us have heard preaching of this type, either saying we are in the last days of trouble or that there is some great tribulation yet to come. Most of this type of preaching that I have heard seems aimed at scaring people into belief in Christ. It also seems to give people a false pessimism about their society. We look to the world around us for indicators of our faith, of the proximity and reality of Christ, of the truth of redemption. This is the wrong focus. Rather, we should look to the Scripture for indicators of our faith, the proximity and reality of Christ, the truth of redemption. We are not led by our world and its turmoil. There's always been the kind of turmoil Jesus talks about. Does it grow worse? Sure. This is a sign that we are in the last days and that the world is ripe for the coming of Christ. But at the same time we can look at the world in which we live and see that the Lord is the one guarding his people. Do we not pray that the Lord will give us our daily bread? Do we not forgive those who trespass against us?
We are in this world. Sometimes it's more difficult than other times. But we're in the world, not of it. We have the nurture, forgiveness, and protection of the Lord. We can trust in his providence, not our own wisdom and ability. We trust in his protection, not the locks and bars we may put on our doors. We trust in his provision, not the ability we have to obtain and stockpile resources. May the Lord be the Lord and we be his faithful followers.
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