Matthew 24:32-51

 Matthew 24: 32-51  Jesus is still answering the disciple's question.."..when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming?"   He has given them some warnings.. don't be mislead and don't be frightened.. and He has revealed the grim reality of that time. Now He gives them 4 illustrations to teach them even more... (covering 2 of those today)

The fig tree -  This parable reminds us of the way of nature as God created it.. The tree's branches become "tender".. it "puts forth its leaves" and by this we can recognize that summer is near.   Jesus says that this illustrates how we can recognize His coming is imminent.. all that He has said will lead up to His return.  There will be false christs and false prophets.. there will be wars and tribulation.. there will be famines and earthquakes.. there will be horrible abominations in the holy place of God.. there will be lives taken and darkness..  These are the things that will happen before the end of the age.  "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away."  Jesus assures us.  

 But, the times are in the Hands of the Father alone.. 

Noah - Here, Jesus gives us a picture of what life on earth will look like before He comes, "For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, they were marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark."  Looking back to Genesis 6 we get a clear picture of those days:

Verse 1 "Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose." 

Verse 5 "Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." 

Verse 6 -"And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart." 

We can't even begin to fathom how wicked people were in those days that God would be sorry He made them!  Our world today seems pretty dark and filled with so much evil that it grieves us.. but, it must not be to the point of destruction.. yet. But, as then, it is now- in that life just goes on and people do what they want without much consideration to what God made them for.. fellowship with Him!  Wickedness abounds.. evil fills so, so many hearts.. and the righteous are few and far between.  Only Noah and his family entered the ark.. only those who enter the shelter of Jesus Christ will be saved. 

Father in heaven, You are infinite in patience, mighty in power, and transcendent above all.  We bow before You in worship.. humbled by the wonder of Your grace.. that You have not treated us as we deserve, but You have given us a Savior, who has taken away our sin.  Thank You! Lead us in truth, Lord and righteousness, and faith. Surround us with Your love and fill us with Your Spirit.  May we be ready for the day of Christ's return and may we be ambassadors for the gospel while we are waiting. Amen.