Matthew 24:23-28
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Jesus continues to speak of things to come in today’s passage. Read Matthew 24:23-28 prayerfully, noting anything that stands out.
The signs of which Jesus speaks in his prophetic discourse may sound disturbingly familiar in this age of uncertainty and polarization. And in the midst of confusion and brokenness it is tempting to look for someone or something to save us - be that a public figure, a spiritual leader, a system of religion or government or something else. But these will all fail us at some point. Or even worse, we may not ever recognize the “false messiah” in which we are trusting, and we’ll be led further and further away from the true source of salvation.
We’ve considered this before, but it is good to regularly look inward to see where our trust lies. Take a moment to stop and consider whether you are trusting in anyone or anything besides Jesus to make things right in and around you.
Talk openly with Jesus about this.
Read Matthew 24:23-28 again with this in mind.
Throughout Scripture when rebellion grows unchecked, God’s grace becomes harder and harder to find. It’s not that God is setting limits on grace, it’s that rebellion against God’s good and perfect ways blinds and numbs people so they can’t see and accept the abundant grace that is all around them. Eventually desperation takes over.
Jesus says that when birds of prey (eagles or vultures) see confusion and desolation in the world, they will gather around to grab anything they can. These false Messiahs will vie for the attention and allegiance of desperate people who will wonder if one or the other might be sent from God to save the day. But when the true Messiah returns, there will be no doubt that it is him. It will be as obvious as a flash of lightning that lights up the entire sky.
Until then we fix our eyes on Jesus and trust only in him.
For the rest of your time in mediation today, let the words of the writer of Hebrews sink into your soul:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2
What is Jesus prompting you to remember or do today?
How do you plan to follow through?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
