Preparing The Way

TITT: Jesus told his disciples of terrifying signs before his return.

Jesus spoke of signs that cause anguish and perplexity, terror, and apprehension.

How is that a positive message?

Signs in the heavens with the sun, moon and stars shaking, and on the Earth with roaring and tossing seas.

Any of these signs would drive someone to fear and dread.

But, Jesus tells his disciples of these signs as miracles.

TITW: We often think the end is near when we experience tragedy.

For those who cannot see past the signs, they are terrified.

When people are terrified of the future, they react in terrifying ways.

Sometimes, we are the ones that cause tragedy because of our own fear.

Most usually become either be despondent, or apathetic

In the wake of all the destruction and loss, most usually become either be despondent, or apathetic rather than violent.

Whether despondent or apathetic, we often turn abuse substances, or abuse relationships to cope with them.

If the disciples were warned against these attitudes and behaviors, how much more should we?

GITT: Jesus will return and redeem the whole world.

Jeremiah foretold of the Branch of David

who will do what is just and right; when Judah and Jerusalem will find safety.

He is the one called “The Lord our Righteous Savior.”

Not only is he righteous in action, he is the effective savior of all.

If there was also “no one is good but God,” then the Righteous Savior is God.

Jesus uses the budding fig tree as a metaphor

Budding fig trees eventually produce fruit.

Jesus makes the connection between fruiting trees and the coming kingdom of God.

Those who believe in Jesus, watch and wait for his return, and grow in the kingdom of God until then.

Jesus calls his disciples to look up with joy when they see these signs.

Christ’s return will be a harvest of the kingdom of all fruitful lives.

GITW: God brings us peace in moments of terror.

We should not be consumed with terror when we see the signs.

We should not be caught unaware through carelessness.

We should wait, watch, and pray; hoping that we will be found worthy of redemption.

And so,

To be counted worthy to escape tribulation and judgment by the grace of God,

To have the honor of redemption,

to be fitted or prepared for it.

To stand with joy and triumph in the end instead of falling as his enemies.