What Jesus Did! 'Gathering His Chosen!' — Matthew 24:29-31

Thursday, November 11, 2021

[Jesus continued:] "Immediately after the anguish of those days [that indicate the end is near],
the sun will be darkened,
the moon will give no light,
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world — from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven."

— Matthew 24:29-31 NLT

Key Thought

Once again, much debate is spent on Matthew 24 trying to decide whether Jesus is talking about the fall of Jerusalem or the end of time, or both. The key point, it seems to me, is that when Jesus comes, there will be no doubt that he is coming. It won't be a secret meeting of just the "few and faithful" who are in his inner circle. Everyone will know. Those not ready will be terrified. Believers will rejoice because their ultimate salvation and vindication are near. They will get to go home in victory and share in the presence of the Son and the Almighty forever.

So under times of great distress, we are not to believe the rumors and innuendo from Satan that Jesus isn't coming. He is coming, and when he comes, it will be in triumph.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, by your sovereign power, please rescue all of those who believe in you and are looking forward to the coming of Jesus. May his return find me waiting with great anticipation. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
  • 1 Corinthians 15:51-54
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:10

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 24:29-31 NLT — and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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