For the majority of people alive, this world is all they know. Therefore, their great concern and fear is the end of the world and not where they will spend eternity. We should not be surprised, then, when there is worry about nuclear disaster, climate catastrophe or the sun burning itself out. As Christians it would be easy to worry about these things too but as we have seen in the last 2 Sunday evenings from Matthew 24, God is in total control and will bring this world to an end in His perfect timing. In explaining the conditions of the world before he returns and what will happen when he does come again, Jesus’ great concern is for his people. There are three things God will do for the elect – his chosen people saved by Jesus’ death on the cross.
“but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened” v22
God is in control and this age of suffering and persecution will not last forever. What great comfort if you are trusting in Christ – any suffering you are now facing will end because God cares for you.
“to deceive even the elect – if that were possible” v24
False teachers are out to deceive God’s people. We should know our Bibles and watch out for false teaching. But God keeps every one of His children safe – he won’t lose one.
“they will gather his elect” v31
When Jesus returns every single one of his people will be gathered and spend eternity with their Saviour.
What a great comfort that even in a world of suffering and persecution God is caring for us and we have a wonderful future to look forward to. Let’s live today looking forward to the day when Jesus returns for his people.
James Howlett