
“These Things:” Fearful sights
Luke adds the most frightening description of all.
To have a better understanding Yeshua’s warning, we need to listen carefully to the different perspectives of the Apostles them all and put the pieces together to get the full picture.
Yeshua warning His disciples that “these things” are in their future…but they here and now for us! We must be prepared and prepare others.
Luke was the only one who used the word “commotions.” The Greek word has been translated as “uprisings.” Another synonym is, “disorder.”
Biblical prophecies are usually fulfilled in several layers of time. The technical term is: “The Principle of Double Reference.” This was true of Daniel’s prophesies (9:24-11) that we talked about before.
Yeshua prophesy of the destruction of the Temple would be fulfilled about 40 years later, in 40 CE (AD); the deceptions started almost immediately after His death and will continue until the end of the Tribulation.
God speaks very severely against false teachers, those who satisfy the “itchy ears” of the hearers instead of bringing the truth. Today these false teachers can be found in huge churches, small congregations and throughout the internet. They rarely speak from the Bible and when they do, they pervert the literal meaning by bringing an interpretation that will make the people feel good rather than challenge, exhort and encourage the people to seek God’s righteousness.
The Psalmist describes the Lord God of Israel as a shepherd, He calls us His flock. David’s years as a shepherd, was God’s training for him to become king of Judah.
Everyone, regardless who we are, has a message that he wants to share with others. That makes us all “evangelists” or messengers, bringing what we consider to be good and important news.
God gives certain people an extra anointing to spread His message with a power that produces results. Unfortunately, a charismatic personality can be confused with God’s anointing and can bring harmful results.
There have always been false prophets – men and women who claim to speak for and in the name of God but whose priority is themselves. The credential of a true prophet comes from the Torah:
Yeshua chose twelve men to be His closest disciples, known today as Apostles; each was important in God’s plan even Judas who Yeshua knew would betray Him. After Judas betrayed Yeshua and committed suicide, the Apostles wanted to appoint a replacement.
Now Yeshua began to answer their questions by defining “what things” will be coming.
Of first priority was the need to beware and recognize deception.
Matthew’s expectations were not uncommon. Most of the Jewish people then and still today are longing for a Messiah who will bring in the glorious Messianic Kingdom. The expectations are for Israel to live in peace and security and the Messiah’s leadership will be recognized and respected by all of mankind.
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