PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 24:15-28
What do you sense Jesus saying to you in this passage?
“The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)
Jesus is describing the terrible event of the fall of Jerusalem.
This is a warning to prepare for it, and to flee if possible.
Jerusalem falls because the Jewish leaders resisted the Romans.
They tried to beat Rome through force, opposition, violence.
The Jesus Way is not force or violence, but love.
Love seems a weak response to the problems in our world.
We prefer to control or condemn others, not to love and serve them.
We believe false messiahs who urge political or military strength.
We put up defensive walls, and excommunicate the weak and unworthy.
I hear Jesus calling me to flee worldly christian/churchy ways.
I hear Jesus calling me to stand firm in the ways of love.
Our times will be challenging too, but we will get through them.
Love and serve the weak, the different, the enemy, the stranger.
Stand firm in the Jesus Way, and Jesus will lead the way!
Lord Jesus, I sense Your love growing cold in my experience of the church and christianity. More than ever, we need to stand firm in Your kind of love. Today again I choose to follow You!
I’m reminded of fire drills. The more I practice them, the better my response gets. Jesus is like the safe meeting place. The more familiar I become with His character, the easier it is to identify Him and direct others to Him.
While reading the passage I was thinking about fire drills. My senses become overstimulated by the abrupt interruption and screaming bells alerting me to fight or flight. My brain catches up with my senses and reminds me this is no time to fear I must act. Stay focused on the goal, remember the training and navigate to safety. Practicing for the real thing is key. The more I familiarize myself with Jesus and His character the quicker I can identify Him in times of crisis. I will be more likely to emulate His character to others.