It is characteristic of biblical prophets that they predict events both in the near future and in the distant future. The idea is that their prophecies can be tested (see Deuteronomy 18:21-22). If the immediate event predicted by the prophet comes true, then we can be assured that the distant one will come about as well. Jesus’ prophecies have this same near-future-distant-future element. Jesus said that the war leading up to the destruction of the temple would take place within a generation. A generation was understood to be about 40 years. Jesus said that around 30AD and the temple was destroyed at the end of the Jewish wars in 70AD. That’s a remarkable prediction and even more remarkable that it came about on the clock! All Jesus’ predictions in Matthew 24:1-35 came true. The Jewish wars were as cataclysmic for the Jewish people as Jesus described them to be, far worse even than the previous destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586BC. But, in the light of this fulfilment, Jesus wanted his followers to look forward to the greater event in the distant future that he was predicting, the timing of which he could not say. We may not know when it will happen, but it will happen, and we had better be ready. Jesus has given us the customary assurance of his prophetic veracity as well as clear warning that he could come at any moment. Moreover, he also emphasised the importance of being found faithful when he comes. You cannot afford to slacken off and lose your focus. Jesus is coming soon to call us to account for our lives.
Ask God to forgive you for your failure and ask him to help you engage with his purpose.
Read Matthew 24:36-51
