Scenes of the Future

Before you start todays devotional, ask the Lord to use it to grow you up in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Heaven and earth will pass away; someday there will be a new heaven and a new earth, but God’s Word will not change. It will stand throughout the eternal ages.

As Jesus’ last week hastens on, He takes every opportunity to teach His disciples about the future. As they passed a fig tree, He told them about Israel’s future. As they looked over the city, He told them about the mystery of His return—“as the days of Noah….” He highlighted the importance of “watching.”

Today, we watch for the Rapture and the comforting hope of His promised coming. On yet a future day, watching for Jesus’ second coming will stir fear and anxiety because the world will be judged.

Jesus describes the different attitudes of people related to His second coming and what will happen to them. Some are faithful servants, others live carelessly, not really believing He will return. The Lord will judge them all.

What a great principle to apply to every age. Rehearse the reality of standing in Jesus’ presence one day. If you are saved, you will give Him an account of your life to determine a reward. If you are lost, you will stand there to be judged. He is Lord of all.

When it all comes down it, we learn in Matthew 24 that what’s important is our personal attitude and our relationship to Jesus Christ. Jesus illustrates that with a series of parables. First, of ten virgins who are either ready or not for the bride, and the bridegroom going to the marriage supper. Then another about the tests of faithful servants.

Someday we will stand in God’s presence and give an account of how we have used what He has given to us. The Lord is not going to ask us how much we have done for Him but how faithful we have been to that which He wanted us to do.

As Jesus finishes His teaching, called the Olivet Discourse, while overlooking the city, He again asks His people to ready themselves for His coming. He tells them about the Tribulation and the faithful who will preach and the righteous who will turn to Him. He warns them of the butchery of the Antichrist.

Both individuals and nations will be judged by their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ. For those who reject, there is only judgment. But some will receive the message with joy. This polarization moves history toward placing Jesus Christ on the throne of this world. This is the message of the Gospel of Matthew—in fact, it is the message of the entire Word of God.

Every incident and detail in Matthew 26 points to the Cross. Some may think Jesus is caught in the vortex of circumstances over which He has no control. Look closely, however, and you see Jesus is the master of circumstances. A friend will bless Him and anoint Him for burial; a disciple will betray Him.

But in every way, Jesus was in charge. The closer He gets to the Cross, the more kingly He becomes.

1. How can a person be prepared for Jesus’ return?

2. What lessons can we learn from the parables of the ten virgins and the servants with the talents?

3. What are some things God has given you to do that you need to be faithful in until He returns?

Additional Resources

Listen to Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s complete teachings on Matthew 24:32—25:30 and Matthew 25:31—26:22.