Fear…or love?
‘No one knows, however, when that day and hour will come – neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son; the Father alone knows. The coming of the Son of Man will be like what happened in the time of Noah. In the days before the flood, people ate and drank, men and women married, up to the very day Noah went into the boat; yet they did not realise what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes.” (verses 36-39)
Read Matthew 24:36-44
What was it like in the time before the flood? Genesis 6:11 describes the earth as being ‘corrupt’ and filled with violence.
Corruption and violence? The picture has been repeated over and over again throughout history. How often do you see newspaper headlines like the following: ‘Eruption of civil war’, ‘Attacks on elderly continue’, ‘Earthquake kills hundreds’, ‘Hostage drama unfolds’?
While today’s reading may bring feelings of fear in your heart, it can also be a reminder to you of God’s love. For just as the story of the flood is a story of God’s undeserved love to Noah and the human race, so the second coming of Jesus will be the time when God’s people finally see him in all his glory and go to live with him forever. The news of the day is only part of the news. Look to the good news of the Bible to find the full story.
Lord, when I fear the time that you will come again, remind me that you will come as the God of love to save your people. Amen.
by Anne Maczkowiack in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)
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