Matthew 24 1 - 26

The Future Kingdom

Did you know that much of the OT speaks about what will happen in the future? Most of that focuses on the promised kingdom. Jesus also spoke about that coming kingdom. Prophetic interpretation is a challenge for us but even for the scholars who also struggle to agree on prophesy.

Jesus is teaching on the Mount of Olives about the coming destruction and tribulation.

#1 What does Jesus warn us of over and over again in this reading?

Jesus warns us repeatedly about false teachers.

#2 what does this mean for us as believers when we think about this in relation to the second coming of Christ?

The ending has been spoiled and that is what should be giving us hope. Christ will surely come again, and all we need to do is endure until the end. Bible prophecy is meant to have an impact not on the future to come but on the very present day. We must encourage one another with the realization that all believers will be together with Him.

Here is an outline of the future prophetic plan as given in the OT:

#3

nations will be divided into power blocks

the western power block will be headed by the anti-christ

increasing tension over the Middle East, leading to a treaty in which the western powers guarantee the integrity of the Jewish state.

increasing world-wide troubles, and disasters, gradually intensify

tremendous tribulation for Israel, involving persecution by the western powers and finally invasion and desolation by the northern

personal coming and intervention of Christ, The Messiah, who ill defeat Israel’s enemies and set up a righteous kingdom worldwide.

# 3 How did it make you feel while you were reading that list? What about now after you have had a moment to sigh?

It is worrisome when were read that list, for me it is also troubling to know that we are living in a time where some of this is coming through already. I always joke that I want God to “beam me up” long before this happens because i fear that I am too weak to make it through to the end. But when I take a breath I realize that it will not be by my strength but by His that I will be in His kingdom .