PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 24:26-31
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They will gather his elect from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:31)
Humans have been scattered from one end of the heavens (east) to the other (west).
This scattering is not the ‘filling the earth’ envisioned in Genesis 1:28.
It is scattering that results from the babel of human pride and cruelty (Genesis 11:8).
Humans selfishly gather wealth to themselves, and leave others to look elsewhere.
They attack others so that they flee; they run from others because of their guilt or shame.
God’s ‘one big happy family’ is not one, is not happy, and is not family.
Jesus assures his disciples that one day God’s family will be reunited.
Those who choose the Jesus Way of love, joy and peace are God’s chosen ones.
God does not choose those who love pride, cruelty or greed, for they ruin the family.
How this gathering of the ‘elect’ will happen exactly is not clear to me.
But one day the scattering of sin will be replaced by the gathering of love.
As Jesus communities now, we are called to anticipate these gatherings with our own.
Gatherings where people choose love, joy, peace, uniting and welcoming, tearing down walls.
Am I joining with the angels in gathering together in Jesus’s name?
PRAYER
Lord, you’ve prepared a banquet and want people to come. I hear you asking me to “go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that your house will be full.” (Luke 14:23)
Jesus return will be very visible – like lightening can be observed from many miles away – whether in the east or west. We will know. Will Jesus return before Jesus takes me home when my task on earth is done? Will I be translated immediately to that day when I die? Interesting thoughts from a limited and time bracketed perspective. I just trust it will be good for those who believe – the elect will be called from every corner. Lord, in the meantime help me to be a blessing to all – especially those who do not know ‘the way’.
The Lord will return as He has promised. In the meantime, peoples will gather around false prophets proclaiming themselves as saviours. But the Master had said that the times will be dark before He returns. Wait for Him. Do not be deceived for He will come with splendour and glory with His angels to collect His own. Live for Him during he dark times like these days. Only Jesus can save you and me. Stay true to His Word as His Word is truth. He will give His people strength if we but obey.
1 God, give Your people strength.
If we believe in Your way,
You’re swift to repay
all those who bear the burden of the day.
God, give Your people strength.
2 God, give Your people hope.
If we but trust in Your Word,
our prayers are always heard.
You warmly welcome anyone who’s erred.
God, give Your people hope.
3 God, give Your people love.
If we but open wide our heart,
You’re sure to do Your part,
and always the first to make a start.
God, give Your people love.
4 God, give Your people peace.
When sorrow fills us through and through,
our courage renew.
Come, lay to rest our restlessness in You.
God, give Your people peace.