Until That Day

Read: Matthew 24:1-36

I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. . . . However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen. Matthew 24:34, 36

IN WORD

The statement has baffled readers for centuries. This generation will not pass away? And yet two thousand years later, we’re still waiting. How can this be? Was Jesus mistaken about the timing?

Of course not. Those who believe that this prophetic discourse concerns the judgment in AD 70 can easily point to the fact that many of Jesus’ hearers were still alive during that time. Clearly, many of His words apply to that event; but with a view to the end of human history as we know it, “this generation” can mean those who witness these signs; or that the end-time signs and fulfillment will all happen within a generation. It can also mean “this people” or “this nation”; that is, the Jewish people will not pass away until all is fulfilled. However we interpret it, Jesus has a clear picture in mind. And His words are highly relevant to every generation.

Even so, many throughout history have ignored His clear declaration that no one knows the timing of the end, not even the angels or the Son of Man Himself. Some think they have discovered the timeline embedded in prophetic Scriptures, some calculate years and months and days as though they are always literal or precisely understood, and some simply think they have gotten special revelation that the poor listeners of Jesus weren’t ready to hear. They forget that Jesus always spoke to us about seasons, not about calendars. They claim knowledge that God doesn’t give.

IN DEED

That’s embarrassing for the church, but Jesus claims us anyway. Far more important than any time frame, however, is the frame of mind of those who follow Him. If He hasn’t come, earth isn’t ready. That’s all we need to know. He is still working His Kingdom into His people and into the world. If that’s our focus, we’ll be ready.

ADDITIONAL READING: 2 Peter 3:8-9

We must never speak to simple, excitable people about “the Day” without emphasizing again and again the utter impossibility of prediction.

C. S. LEWIS