Matthew 24:15-28 – God’s Care
In these verses Christ refers to the taking of Jerusalem by the Romans. That event takes place about forty years after these words. A full account of it is to be found in the writings of the historian Josephus. Those writings are the best comment on our Lord’s words. They are a striking proof of the accuracy of all of His predictions about the Temple destruction.
Flight from danger may sometimes be the duty of a Christian. The servant of Christ is not to be a coward. He is to confess his master before men. He is to be willing to die, if needful, for the truth. But the servant of Christ is not required to run into danger, unless it comes in the line of duty. He is not to be ashamed to use reasonable means to provide for his personal safety, when no good is to be done by dying at his post.
God’s elect are always special objects of God’s care. Twice in this passage our Lord mentions them. Those whom God has chosen to salvation by Christ, are those whom God specially loves in this world. They are the jewels among mankind. He cares more for them than for kings on their thrones. He hears their prayers. He orders all the events of nations and the issues of wars for their good, and their sanctification. He keeps them by His Spirit. He allows neither man nor devil to pluck them out of His hand. Whatever tribulation comes on the world, God’s elect are safe.
We see from these verses, that whenever the second advent of Christ takes place, it will be a very sudden event. It will be “as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west.” We are to live always prepared for His return. Let us believe in Christ, serve Christ, follow Christ, and love Christ. So living, whenever Christ may return, we shall be ready to meet Him.
Questions
- What do these verses tell us about God?
- What do these verses tell us about the second coming of Christ?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for God’s care for you.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.