Matthew 24

Matthew 24 – Live ready. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength – and love your neighbor as yourself. (a reminder of the greatest and second greatest commands from Matthew 22:37-40) Tough times are ahead… truly, impossible times according to Jesus:

“In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.” :22

Jesus is describing the events leading to tribulation and the actual tribulation years. There are scholars that believe in the pre-tribulation rapture of the church, others believe rapture happens mid-tribulation, and a third group believe in the post-tribulation rapture. If you don’t yet know your view, and most importantly WHY, set up an appointment with your pastor – please – speak to him prior to any internet searching on this subject.

According to the pre-tribulation view, the church is removed prior to :9, and the earth’s population is all non-believers who are left behind. Chaos ensues, and some will come to Salvation during this time. Hallelujah! They are the chosen ones Jesus is speaking of in verse :22.

We see many things today that fit the birth pain description, earthquakes, famines, war and rumors of war (:6-7). I am not saying we are in the birth pains, only that we could be, that is why the wise believer will always live ready.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows…. So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.” :36,42