PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 24:32-35
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
When Jesus says ‘heaven and earth’, He means the universe God created (earth and sky).
Jesus is saying that this universe is not eternal, it is finite, perishable, limited.
He is warning about the coming doom of Jerusalem (70 AD).
He urges His followers to listen to Him, because what He says will be forever true.
As a Jesus follower, in a sin-messed world, I need to cling to Jesus and His message.
Jesus’s message is God’s love and grace, and the hope of His kingdom.
His invitation and challenge is to join Him in God’s grace and love and kingdom.
Our world is unraveling, selfishness and violence are spinning out of control.
Political turmoil, mass shootings, opioid crises, extremism, family dysfunctionality…
And now this pandemic, another reminder of the instability of this world!
Do not despair; as a Jesus follower, cling to His message of grace and hope!
Love God, love people, and all the more when the world stops doing that.
May today’s crises increase our hope in God’s love, and cause us to love even more!
When everyone else is losing it, may we have His strength to keep living it!
PRAYER
Lord, I am restored, forgiven and free by Your love. This sin-messed world will not last forever, but Your love will. Help me to build bridges of love that reach those who are struggling, and overcome those who are hating and hurting.
Things can get awfully shaky at times – life is full of risks as well. Just thinking of my close calls with death. I’m vulnerable – but I can live because I know who cares for me. People may let me down – with their promises etc. – but God has not and will not. His word is totally trustworthy – proven time and time again! He holds my future.
God’s word stands forever. This world will pass away and a new world will come as He has promised. In times like these we are reminded of what He has promised. He will will come again regaining His kingdom fully. And in the meantime while I live today in His presence I may be His ambassador showing His love while looking forward when His kingdom will be regained.
Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.