The Gospel, promised for so long, good news of One who would overthrow the Serpent and deliver his people guaranteed to bring hope to all who trust in God of heaven and his promises. Add great joy when promise of peace announced by angel accompanied by him who embodies the Gospel, by life and ministry and work of redemption making promise real. Readily connect Jesus’ birth and death, easily understand need one to have the other. But… work of redemption not only reason Jesus came – he started work of spreading Gospel among countrymen and some Gentiles. Informed disciples they needed to keep moving it forward until are disciples in all the world.
We know more people need to hear and respond to Gospel, are to keep going until task is finished. But just as birth as little baby began Jesus’ earthly life, Jesus’ life and ministry began something else. Is something we anticipate but only he can finish it, our salvation. Ok, have been saved when came to faith, are being saved by sanctifying work of God’s Word and Spirit, will be saved when we die and go to heaven. Right? Not exactly – for our salvation to be complete, must include resurrection… just like Jesus since he is firstfruit of total harvest. And… Jesus’ work of salvation extends to everything subject to Curse – “No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found.” Isaac Watts
If we rejoice in Jesus’ birth that began his work to fully deal with results of Curse, should anticipate next chapter in his story. As it gets closer, ought to be getting excited especially since Jesus himself gave specific information so we know what is happening. Don’t try to set alarm clock for next big thing but don’t even think about hitting snooze button.
A. look up and lift up v.25-28 p.75
signs in nature
weird things happening or being made to happen – Jesus doesn’t give details, just effects, not behaving as expected
natural disasters (oxymoron) – one way we know all is not right – more evil, more rebellion by earth trying to shake it off
unpredictability – massive amounts of data and knowledge previously gained no longer matching reality… it’s not working
big thing all the time now: climate change, how is perceived and reported, closely followed by threat of nuclear holocaust
signs in men’s hearts
individual – fear foremost – contractor, phone call/didn’t recognize #/didn’t answer b/c made anxious/fearful… said “if I had God in my life he would probably take care of that”
national distress / anxiety – what about this… or that… but wait… constantly changing direction b/c of perception not principle
international “ripples” – head of state makes threats, chancellor issues budget, ship stuck in canal… effects felt worldwide
economic/political/especially religious – stock markets, bitcoins; war of words, weapons between nations; varied persecution
a sight to behold
when they begin – don’t wait until they’re in your face, see when they start/build/expand, requires being alert
be encouraged – don’t disregard, don’t be afraid/discouraged/overwhelmed – look up and take heart, is good news for Christian
know what / who to expect – if use teaching from God’s word, help from God’s Spirit we can interpret signs accurately
your full/final/completed redemption is almost here – salvation of soul important, need redeemed body to enjoy heaven
B. cheer up v.29-33 p.80
signs mean something
previous signs of impending doom – God never pulls back from what this all means for people, especially the lost
fig tree means summer is near – tells story of hope, spring here and summer coming, positive time for child of God
previous signs of impending blessing – Jesus came first time to save his people from sins, these signs indicate as bad as will be for many, will be time to rejoice for many
small examples of a big thing
Sodom and Gomorrah – memory of Flood faded, no longer felt threatened – shot across bow from God, has his limits
70-year exile another example from God his rules still the same, he will act when he chooses: alert sinners to what awaits
“universal” signs at the end – Jerusalem and… – horrors of Roman siege 70AD foretaste, also at end, giving people yet another opportunity to repent
expect a universal ruler – Christ’s kingdom revealed in its cosmic fullness, glorified Son of God ruling over the entire universe
God means what he says
repeated examples of kept promises – promised child to Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Elisabeth, then to virgin Mary: 100% success
written record to confirm them – they knew b/c word of mouth incl. words of prophets; we know b/c we have the Bible
this one is the big one – repeated references to “that Day” making point will be like no other day… ever… before or after
the wise will rejoice, foolish will ignore or reject – fools offer alternative explanation, own attempt to fix what signs show – wise know Jesus the only one who can do it
C. smarten up v.34-36
live well
will be no avoiding God at the end – everyone w/o exception will appear before God, either standing or cowering in terror
must be hastening his coming – proclaiming Gospel truth to those who haven’t heard, persuading those who have heard to repent before “that Day” arrives
live so we’re not surprised
watch well
stay alert – shouldn’t try to live on autopilot, miss too many important details that way, won’t keep up with changes
stay informed – seek out reliable sources of worldwide information, see what God is doing in places near and far
read the signs – we ask for Spirit’s help to understand God’s Word book, need same help to understand his World book
take them seriously – is God’s world, is putting signs there for all to see, has revealed enough for us to recognize as his
pray well
thy kingdom come – we pray for it regularly, must pray and live like we really want it.. all the time, not just while praying
seek help to live well – have too many personal examples convince us we need his help, still try to do alone… to often
seek help to understand – Jas 1.5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
rejoice, summer is coming – received gift from God for skiers last week, not everyone liked – summer everyone will appreciate is on its way
He came, he lived, he died, he lives, he comes back. Peace on earth the angel announced will arrive in its fullness when Christ comes back, remakes heaven and earth, removing all traces of sin from earth. Part 1 of his work is complete, he and we are working to bring Part 2 when our redemption will be complete. Before we know it, he will be coming on the clouds in power and great glory.
Reformanda 