A sincere inquiry of the end times

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | August 17, 2023 | Matthew 24:3

KEY VERSE:

"As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. 'Tell us’, they said, 'when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'" – Matthew 24:3 (NIV).

MESSAGE:

The disciples continued to trust confidently, that Jesus was the promised Messiah. As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately and asked about the End Times. They asked some specific questions. One was to do with the Temple and the others were connected with the return of Christ, to set up His Messianic kingdom. The first question was about the destruction of the Temple. They had been admiring its magnificent architecture and were shocked to hear that the rebuilt Temple was to be utterly destroyed. The second questions were to do with Christ's return to earth because He had already told them He was going away to prepare a place for them, but that He would return... and they eagerly expected Him to come back soon. They did not expect a 2000 years gap between the destruction of the Temple and His second advent. Even in the book of Acts (Acts 1:6), as Christ was ascending into heaven, they continued to anticipate His any-day return.

Two questions were asked about Christ's return. 1) the sign of His return to earth, and 2) the sign of the end of the age. These are questions that specifically relate to Israel, but, as prophesied, it is a time when Israel, as a nation, will REPENT of their sin, and call on the name of the Lord, by crying, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!" While Christ's discourse relates to Israel and His Second Coming there is so much that is relevant to the Church, for we have been given the great commission to preach the good news of the gospel to the whole world. We have been made ministers of reconciliation and are to tell the world that Jesus the Lord is coming again. Today we are His representatives on earth and are to act as salt and light in a corrupt and darkened world.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Jesus is surely coming again, with all the signs fulfilling. We don't know when Christ will come for the Church, but in the time, we have left, we need to get ourselves ready by believing the gospel, accept Jesus as the Saviour and repent. Just as the disciples looked forward to Christ's second coming, believers today must yearn for the fulfilment of God's promises. This longing inspires us to live with hope and expectation in the midst of a world filled with challenges.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, grant me the strength to persevere in waiting for the glorious return of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me prepare my heart with sincerity and steadfastness. As I wait, may my faith remain unwavering, my hope anchored in your promises, and my love for you and others deepened. Fill me with your Spirit, that I may endure with patience and trust, knowing that your timing is perfect. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

____________________________ DAILY word Study: AT THE END OF THE AGE

The phrase "the end of the age" in this verse is translated from the Greek phrase "συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος" (sunteleias tou aiōnos). Let's look at the word in the phrase for a better understanding:

1. "συντελείας" (sunteleias): This is the genitive form of the Greek noun "συντέλεια" (sunteleia), which means "completion," "consummation," or "end." It implies the final stage or culmination of a period or era.

2. "τοῦ" (tou): This is the genitive form of the Greek definite article "ὁ" (ho), meaning "the."

3. "αἰῶνος" (aiōnos): This is the genitive form of the Greek noun "αἰών" (aiōn), which refers to an age, era, or period of time. It can also carry the idea of the world or the universe.

The phrase "the end of the age" holds profound significance in terms of eschatology—the study of the last things. It points to a time when the present age, characterized by sin, suffering, and imperfection, will come to its conclusion. This phrase signifies the climax of history, the fulfilment of God's purposes, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The disciples' question reflects a common human desire to understand the grand scope of God's plan. It also acknowledges the tension between the present challenges and the hope of a future in which all things will be made right.

Reflections

How does the anticipation of "the end of the age" influence your perspective on the challenges and uncertainties of the present? How can this hope impact the way you live, make decisions, and interact with others in the here and now?

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