Daily Devotions
Matthew
Reference to Another Prophecy
Text: Matthew 24 : 1 - 32
Jesus also used the words from another prophetic book. Whether there is a direct mention of the prophetic book or not, the careful disciple would want to search the Scriptures so that he may understand the full implications of what Jesus taught. Let us look at the text found in the Book of Zechariah.
“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all
the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah
and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make
Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave
it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth
are gathered against it…And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants
of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication;
then they will look on Me whom they have pierced.
Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son,
and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.”
ZECHARIAH 12:2-3, 10
SIGNIFICANCE OF ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECY
There are a number of things that we may note as we study the prophetic text of Zechariah. They are relevant to what Jesus said.
1. Jerusalem would be involved
The “end of the age” will see Jerusalem featured. In Zechariah’s text, the prophecy indicates that “the nations” of the world would gather against Israel and do battle with it!
2. The judgment of the nations
God would take a personal hand in the judgment of the nations. They may come and try to remove Jerusalem as if it was nothing but a monolith. However, they will be destroyed as they mount their attacks against Israel.
3. Special grace will be given to Israel
God will give special grace to Israel! They would come to the realization that they had done the worst thing possible – they had killed (“pierced”) the Messiah whom God had sent. For those who believed there would be salvation. (An example of such a great turning to the Lord may be found in Acts 2. Under the great teaching of the apostles, most notably Peter, many Jews came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah and Saviour. Thousands came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ).
4. Would there be some who would not believe to the very end?
Unfortunately, yes ! Even as Jesus spoke to the crowds, He knew that there were those who had become so hardened in heart that they would never come to faith at all. There was only one fate left to them.
5. Every word of God to be fulfilled
One of the reasons why Jesus cited from the Scriptures was to emphasize an important truth. Great authority and power lay behind every word of Scripture. No word of God would ever be broken. Those who were skeptical would be well advised to reconsider their understanding of the power of God backing the Scriptures!
AN ENCOURAGING WORD FOR THE ELECT
While the general tone of the word Jesus spoke could be described as “heavy” and “gloomy”, there was a silver lining behind the dark clouds.
“And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet,
and they will gather together His elect from the four winds,
from one end of heaven to the other.”
MATTHEW 24:31
How should we understand this text? Let us consider the following thoughts.
1. The myriad number of angels
The book of Daniel has an impressive statement concerning the number of angels who minister at the throne of God.
I watched till thrones were put in place,
And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His garment was white as snow,
And the hair of His head was like pure wool.
His throne was a fiery flame,
Its wheels a burning fire;
A fiery stream issued
And came forth from before Him,
A thousand thousands ministered to Him;
Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.”
DANIEL 7:9-10 (Cf. REVELATION 5:11)
2. The elect
We have a loving reference to “the elect” once again (Matthew 24:31). God will send His angels to gather them into His kingdom! There may be billions of people on the earth, but the Lord distinguishes those whom He called – even those who have responded to His gracious calling to believe in Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
RENEWING OUR FAITH IN JESUS
How do we regard Jesus? Let all who believe in Him as Saviour renew their faith in Him! He has more than proven Himself to be a worthy Lord. Behold, He comes!