August 14th - Reflection

Matthew 24:15-27 (NRSV)
The desolating sacrilege

"So when you see the desolating sacrilege standing in the holy place, as was spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; the one on the housetop must not go down to take what is in the house; the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath. For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, 'Look! Here is the Messiah!' or 'There he is!' - do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, 'Look! He is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look! He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.


Reflection
Don't be misled. It's so easy to be misled. Our focus must remain on Christ our Lord and Savior, all these other things that come and go only take us off path. When the coming of the Son of Man occurs, none of us will have a doubt about it. As lightning flashes for the east to the west, we all will know Jesus has come.

Continue in the work of the Kingdom here and now. Continue in the love and compassion that you have been taught by Jesus. Continue to let the Spirit lead and guide you through life, and don't worry about that day when Jesus returns. You will have enough time to rejoice on that day when it comes. For now, focus on the cross and our Savior and get to work in the joy you have been given through our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I look to the day of your return in great anticipation, but for now, I also look for your knock at the door to continue in your work this day. --- Amen