Thriving in Conspiracy Chaos.
Since the beginning of lock-down last year and more especially during the last couple of weeks, perhaps you’ve heard of, read, or watched the flood of conspiracy theories doing the rounds. Even if you haven’t, it’s hard to escape the powerful negative effect of the news and social media. Whispers of genetic engineering, population control, economic collapse and a new world order are difficult to ignore. There’s talk of the number of the beast and ideas that connect it to Covid-19 vaccines. How should we deal with this and all the news of natural disasters, famines, riots, social unrest and threats of civil wars all over the globe?
Two thousand years ago the Lord Jesus Christ prepared His disciples for the destruction of Jerusalem and it’s Temple, and the ensuing chaos that would surround and follow it. We know from history that they listened, trusted and applied His teaching. How do we know that? The Church has thrived, and continues to grow throughout the world. In some countries she’s illegal and persecuted, in others she languishes in complacency, but true to Jesus promise, even the gates of hell have never overcome the bride of Christ - His beloved Church.
Matthew 24 doesn’t only record Jesus advice to the disciples concerning the fall of Jerusalem which happened scarcely 40 years thereafter. He also speaks of His return and the end of the age. While nobody can be sure of the hour of day when this will happen, we’re urged to live as if it will be tomorrow. Jesus teaches us how to do this, just as He taught His disciples. We need to be like them and trust, listen and apply His teaching. If we do, we can enter 2021 with a deep sense of purpose, renewed faith and the ability to shake off the paralysis of anxiety and be ready for His return - whenever that may be.
Scripture Reading.
As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
[Matthew 24:3-14 ESV]
Bible Study Questions.
It’s important to Study the Bible according to what God says about His Word. Please download our Bible Study Guidelines by clicking here before working through the questions below.
What three distinct events does Jesus speak about in chapter 24. How do they relate to our current circumstances? (Matthew 24:3)
Jesus warns us to be ASTUTE in testing times, what is the first thing He warns us to guard against? (Matthew 24:4-5)
What is second thing to guard against, and what must we learn to ACCEPT in order to be able to do so? (Matthew 24:6)
Jesus gives us an ASSURANCE that His plans will not fail. What is one thing that will definitely happen, no matter who, or what, tries to prevent it? (Matthew 24:14)
Jesus calls us to be ALERT. It’s obvious that summer is coming when we see the signs of new growth on a fig tree, in the same way Jesus lists signs which will alert us. What are the signs of the end of the age? (Matthew 24:5-14) And what are the signs of His return? (Matthew 24:29-31)
Finally Jesus promises that those who stay awake (Matthew 24:42) and are ready for His return (Matthew 24:44) will be eternally rewarded (Matthew 24:46-47). How does the example of the faithful and wise servant relate to us? What must we APPLY in order to be completely prepared for Jesus wonderful return and His eternal reward (Matthew 24:45-46)?
What is the point of being ASTUTE and ALERT in being watchful for the signs of His return? How can being watchful for His return without APPLYING His instructions become counter-productive and dangerous for us? (Matthew 25:9-10, Matthew 25:29, Matthew 25:46)
Prayer.
Dear Father God, Thank You that You remain the only living God. That You are Holy, Righteous, All Powerful and Wise, Merciful and Gracious. Thank You that we can trust You with our fears, knowing that You will never fail and that Your plans are our hope and certainty. We pray for our governments to humble themselves and be obedient to You, that they would govern according to Your Holy law. We pray that our Churches would be faithful and strong, obedient and alert. Help us to be watchful for Your return and to apply Your teachings so that we will be found doing what You have asked when you return. Thank You for the glorious promise of eternal loving relationship with You and heavenly rewards beyond our comprehension. Thank You that Jesus’ blood has paid for our sin, and earned us Your forgiveness. Thank You that His resurrection has guaranteed that we will not die, but have eternal life. A life of purpose and eternal value, now and forever. Please forgive our sin, and help us to turn away from our evil desires and focus on trusting and obeying You through the power of Your beloved Holy Spirit. Father please protect us, provide for us, and empower us, so that we can do Your will, show others how awesome You are, and walk with many into the eternal blessing of Your Holy and loving presence. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Worship.
Nations fighting, prophets lying, love grows cold and death’s at hand
We’re tired and more frightened, how much longer can we stand?
Stay awake and stay assured, don’t be scared or lead astray
He’s coming soon, He’s at the gates, Our Lord the Christ will make a way.
We don’t have to understand it all, or try be in control
He said this must take place so, trust in Him and let it go.
Stay awake and stay assured, don’t be scared or lead astray
He’s coming soon, He’s at the gates. Our Lord the Christ will make a way.
Take a lesson from the fig tree, see the times are getting hard
Now’s our joy to feed the hungry, with the living Word of God.
Stay awake and stay assured, don’t be scared or lead astray
He’s coming soon, He’s at the gates. Our Lord the Christ will make a way.
This Gospel of the Kingdom will be spoken loud and clear
His good and perfect Word in every corner of this sphere.
Stay awake and stay assured, don’t be scared or lead astray
He’s coming soon, He’s at the gates. Our Lord the Christ will make a way.
Riding on the clouds of glory, earth and heaven bow in awe
Jesus Christ the King of Glory, fetch us to You evermore.
Serving.
Read Matthew 25:31-46. It shows how those who have become sheep by the grace of God through faith in Jesus, have shown the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in them by doing certain things. Discuss and meditate on how we can ask the Holy Spirit to work in the same way through us to serve the people of God. It may take some creative thought to work out, especially during lock-down, but we have telephones, email, social media and may more tools to reach out to those near us and far away.