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9. The End of the Worlds (Matthew 24:32-36)
MATTHEW 24:32-36
32 Now from the fig tree learn this parable. When its branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near. 33 Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 36 But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Isaiah 51:6, Matthew 5:18, Acts 1:7, Mark 13:28-32, Luke 21:29-33, 12:39, 40)
Christ foretold that the earth, the moon, and the stars will certainly pass away. The Holy Spirit also revealed these events to the Apostle Peter and explained them in his second letter, verses 3:8-13. Yet, God, in utmost compassion, promised to create a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness and peace dwell. Christ's followers shall live with God as one family in eternal joy.
Keep Christ's words in your heart, for they are the greatest treasure to humanity. They carry us from the perishable to the everlasting, and from sin to righteousness. Listen to the word of Christ more than you watch the television. Believe in its power and act accordingly, then you will partake of God's new world. If you have to travel, flee from you country, or resort to a hiding place from the destruction to come, the most important thing is to put the Holy Bible (rather than money, gold, or clothes) into your bag, for it is the spiritual nourishment for your soul. Be wise, and never separate yourself from your Lord's printed word. His words will never change even if the whole universe passes away. His words are unchangeable, and Christ Himself is the Word of God.
The Word of Christ is more sure and lasting than heaven and earth. Has He spoken? And shall he not do it? (Isaiah 38:15) When the pillars of heaven and foundations of the earth disappear, the Word of Christ shall remain in full power and virtue.
We have to confess that many things will happen in order to pave the way for the coming of Christ, though we do not know all the details. Only fools pretend to know everything. Christ, in humility, admitted that no one knows the hour of the end of the universe but His Father. After His resurrection and triumph over death, He testified that all authority in heaven and earth had been given to Him. In his vision on the island of Patmos, the Apostle John saw that the slain Lamb was the only one worthy of opening the scroll and breaking its seals, including the interpretation of the last days. Thus, the history of mankind is in the hands of Christ.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, We worship You because You are the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and You have in Your hands the future of all mankind. Forgive us our negligence and indifference. Teach us to think about the end of the universe that we may be prepared for Your coming, not in despair, but with thankfulness. We glorify You for Your words, which declare to us that You are our certain Hope.
QUESTION:
- What did Jesus declare about the parable of the fig tree?