Joy Or Dread?

Joy or Dread?

Read: Matthew 24:1-35

“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn.”

Matthew 24:30

“The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend; even so, it is well with my soul.”

—Horatio G. Spafford

IN WORD The nations will deeply mourn at the sign of His coming. But why? We’ve been told by many that this evolving global culture, this maturing humanity that is learning unity and cooperation, will eventually achieve its full potential. Why would a human race at its full potential mourn the arrival of its Creator and Savior?

Because all the nations of the world are on the wrong track. People in every nation will rejoice at His coming, but powerful governments will see a greater power, strong economies will see a redefinition of what’s valuable, and sacred cultural icons will be exposed for the idolatries that they are. When Jesus comes, everyone’s gig is up. The last will be first, and the first won’t like it at all. Every one of the world’s most treasured systems of power and status will suddenly realize that its foundations are unfounded.

Jesus’ words here are about political and cultural groupings, but we as individuals also might take them to heart. Everyone has a natural reaction to the thought of Jesus coming soon. For some, it’s joy. For others, it’s dread. If you fit the latter description, it’s time to figure out why. Soon.

IN DEED Why would Christians dread the coming of Christ? Perhaps they have not fully dealt with the issues of guilt and shame with which sin has infected us. Those feelings can be deadly, but they can be healed at the Cross. Have you fully understood the implications of the cleansing blood of Jesus? If not, let it be your first concern. Dwell on it, meditate on its power, and let it really sink in. Repair relationships, if necessary. Live with a clear conscience.

Others might dread His coming because of unfinished work to which they’ve been called. Realize that Jesus will not come when there’s unfinished work to be done. If He comes, He’s done working. And if He’s done, so are you. There is nothing for a forgiven saint to fear when He appears. Let the nations mourn. We have only rejoicing ahead.