Reading this morning from Matt 22-26, Mark 12-14, Luke 20-22. I am reminded of the theological arguments that have transpired over the years over these passages. Was Jesus speaking about the destruction of Jerusalem which would take place in 70AD or is he pointing to the last days of mankind on earth? I think the conclusion most Bible students arrive at is Jesus was speaking of both times.
Every generation since that time has believed they were the last generation and paralleled the events of their day with the events Jesus described. Each one came to the conclusion that they were the generation or time period in history when Jesus would return.
We need to live our lives in the shadow of eternity, fulfilling our mission to love God and love people rather than focusing on when Jesus is returning. William Holman Hunt’s painting from the 1800′s shows how Jesus in his early days in the carpenter’s shop before His public ministry, lived in the Shadow of the Cross.
Look at the details and all the prophetic indicators of His life and mission.
In actuality Jesus was addressing every time period. His message was not to focus on when he would return (which has seemed to be the main focus of many people’s study), but he was more concerned about how we lived in light of his return.
Be always on watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.
We watch in the sense that we stay sensitive to God’s inner leading and promptings. We pray out of thanksgiving for His closeness and faithfulness and we offer ourselves to His mission and fulfill our destiny in loving God and loving people into relationship with Him.
The good new and bad news is that this the last generation for you and I. Lets live with god in the shadow of the cross and in the light of eternity.
