A PRAYER TO START

As we wade through the woes of Matthew chapter 23 and into the judgments of chapters 24 and 25, we must remember the first words of Jesus’ ministry, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Jesus prophesies so that we might be ones who escape the darkness of life apart from God and enter into the light of his grace. Pray this prayer with John Ballie, hearing the gospel invitation…

O Father, set me free—

from the stirrings of self will within my heart;

from cowardly avoidance of the things I need to do;

from rebellious reluctance to face necessary sufferings;

from discontentment with place in life;

from jealousy of those whose place in life is easier;

from being dissatisfied with my talents yet hungry for more;

from the pride which sets human knowledge above your wisdom;

from undisciplined thought;

from being unwilling to learn and disinclined to serve.

O God my Father, you are often closest to me when I am farthest from you, and you are near at hand even when I feel that you have abandoned me; mercifully grant that the defeat of my self-centeredness may be the triumph in me of your eternal purpose.

May I grow more sure of your reality and power;

May I reach a clearer picture of the meaning of my life on Earth;

May I strengthen my hold on eternal life;

May I look increasingly to what lies beyond my vision;

May my desires become less unruly and my thoughts more pure;

May my love for other people grow deeper and more tender, and

May I be more willing to take their burdens upon myself.

To your care, our Father, I commend my soul and the souls of all whom I love and who love me; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

TAKING A LOOK AHEAD

On any journey, whether a hike in the mountains or a trek to the grocery store, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, to be present. It’s also important to know where you are going! To look up, and take a peek at what is ahead.

In order for us to journey forward on sure footing, we need to be prepared for the ground ahead. In chapter 23, Jesus has taken on the voice of a prophet. Indeed the people thought him like those who had come before, beckoning God's people to return to him (21:11), and so he takes on the role in line with those messengers sent before him who were often maligned and even murdered for the strong words they spoke to a people who did not want to hear what they had to say (23:30-31).

It will be in the voice of a prophet that Jesus continues to engage with his disciples in chapters 24 and 25. Chapters that foretell the coming age and the destruction of what many hold dear. Therefore, it is important for you and I to (re) familiarize ourselves with some of the voices to whom Jesus now aligns and expands.

CONNECTING THE DOTS

Jesus begins chapter 24 addressing the disciples who were enamored with the temple, their place of meeting God and accessing their identity as Jews. In a swift word, Jesus quite literally strikes down their foundations, announcing the destruction of their ideal of God and their place in his-story. Jesus says,

“You see all these [the temple and the buildings surrounding it, this picture of religion], do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (24:2)

Woes and destruction are typical prophetic topics; though there is always another point to the violent condemnation. As you read the words of the prophets of old, ask yourself and them the following questions…

What do the prophets pronounce destruction upon?

Why does destruction come?

What is the purpose, the result, of the destruction?