"Jesus' Sermon and Today's World"

I have been reading through the Gospels this year with the intent of rediscovering those key moments in the life of Jesus.  Immediately one thinks of His baptism which was that significant introduction of Jesus into ministry.  That was followed quickly with the testing that took place in the wilderness where Satan unsuccessfully challenged Jesus' deity and humanity.  There were the multitude of miracles - events that greatly changed the lives of many.  And there were the stories - lots of stories.


But as I read through Matthew 24 the other day, I wanted to focus upon this strong teaching of Jesus about the last days through the eyes of today's world.  I truly found it fascinating - alarming, yet hopeful.  Allow me to invite you to open your Bible to Matthew 24 and let's examine it together.


First, Jesus points to a strong spirit of deception that would come with its focus to deceive the followers of Jesus Christ.  "Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you.  For many will come in my name, claiming, "I am the Christ" and will deceive many'" (Matthew 24:4-5).  How strong is that deception today.  I believe it is couched in that growing belief that "all roads lead to God."  It goes something like this: It makes no difference what you believe, as long as you are sincere in what you believe.  In our rush to be inclusive and tolerant, we have allowed that deceptive spirit to penetrate into our teachings.  We may not have people rushing around saying that they are Jesus, but we do have many who are teaching that Jesus is just one way to God, but there are other ways just as effective.  How tragic is this deception!


Second, Jesus strongly states that there would be wars and rumors of war.  "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.  Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:6-7a).  Let's just take a snapshot this morning.  Iran is testing their long-range ballistic missiles.  After the development of their nuclear capabilities - which, by the way, we know will occur within the next decade or even earlier - with these missiles the Iranians will be able to deliver a nuclear warhead certainly to any city in Israel and to many cities in Europe.  We have also witnessed Iran's navy getting belligerent with American Navy vessels sailing in the Persian Gulf and the Straits of Hormuz.  Iran is already at war with its neighbors and seems to be preparing itself for a broader war, especially against Israel.  (Read Ezekiel 38-39 about the reality of this war).


Then there is North Korea.  American leaders are fairly confident that North Korea does possess some type of nuclear capability.  As recently as this past week, they tested some long range ballistic missiles and boasted that they could now attack American bases.  In response to these tests, yesterday our government sent one of our best strategic missile defense systems to South Korea, which prompted an immediate reply from China that questioned the American intent, thus elevating their military presence near the North Korean border. 


China has recently launched its very first aircraft carrier.  Over the past several years they have created artificial islands in the South China Sea for the sole purpose of establishing military bases there.  Their strong presence has escalated the threats of a regional war in southeast Asia. 


And then there is Russia.  I believe that Russian President Putin - he is certainly not a president like we think a president should be; he is more like a dictator in the mold of a Stalin - has eyes on reestablishing the strength of Russia as it was years ago.  He annexed the Crimea.  He has threatened Ukraine repeatedly.  Many former Soviet Republics have felt his intimidating threats as well.  Poland's leadership is uneasy about what is transpiring on its eastern border.  Along with China, Russia is investing heavily in its military might. 


Finally, there is the continued threat of radical Islamic terror.  Syria is awash in blood.  Hamas and Hezbollah are just awaiting a green light from Iran to explode against Israel's northern and southern borders.  The war with these radicals has touched nearly every country in Europe as well as here in America. 


Jesus said, "Don't be alarmed when you hear of these things, for this is just the birthpangs of the end."


Third, Jesus predicted an increase in the persecution of believers.  "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me" (Matthew 24:9).  A recent article described that in 2016, there were over 90,000 Christians worldwide who were martyred for their faith.  And the attacks upon faith-communities worldwide reached to heights not seen before.  It is not easy being a Christ-follower any longer.  Even here in the United States, we have seen a dramatic uptick in persecutions.  (I strongly recommend Todd Starnes newest book, "The Deplorables' Guide to Making America Great Again" where he documents some of these acts of persecution. 


Fourth, Jesus made this statement to His disciples: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12).  I don't think I need to remind you of the reality of that statement.  On every hand we see the often violent increase in wickedness.  Just look at what is happening in the city of Chicago, for example - a city where its citizens are dying in record numbers at the hands of others of its citizens.  And look at the hatred that is spewed everyday across our nation, beginning with our main stream media, where one group is showing hatred toward another.  We would rather show hatred than show civility.  Yes, our love toward others has grown incredibly cold.


Finally, Jesus said, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).  Ah, some good news about the Good News.  Bible translation work is proceeding at a record pace.  The number of tribal groups without at least a portion of the Bible in their language is getting smaller and smaller.  The Jesus Film is being produced in increasingly more languages.  One believes that within this generation all peoples on the face of this earth will have had the opportunity of hearing the Good News about Jesus. 


Friends, although these words of Jesus were uttered nearly twenty centuries ago, it is almost as if He were saying them new to us today.  We should not be shocked at what is happening.  The reason why we are shocked is because we have not studied this passage and seen its truths in the light of today's world.  It is time to take the blinders off.  It is time to sharpen our swords - to really get serious about our study of the Word of God.  It is time to begin serious training for the days that lie ahead for us.  I am drawn to the words of that old hymn, "Who is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King?  Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?  Who will leave the world's side?  Who will face the foe?  Who is on the Lord's side?  Who for Him will go?"  Oh that we might answer as does that hymn writer: "By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side, Savior, we are Thine."  Amen!