January 30, 2021

Day 30, January 30, 2021
Scriptures: Exodus 2-3, Matthew 24
 
It is interesting that a day and hour that is unknown to Jesus, is known to so many who can read the signs of the times and tell us of the immanent destruction and decimation of the world. 
 
Jesus doesn’t know the day, but these prognosticators do. Eyeroll.
 
But here Jesus offers fair warning. Of a day that is coming, one in which you should pray that you aren’t a nursing mother, because the days will be difficult.
 
It feels, not unlike the days of Exodus where it was arguably pretty bad to be a Hebrew woman and a nursing mother as well. God calls Moses, who was delivered by an Ark of his own. Only two times is it used in the bible, and here in Exodus, Moses’ is laid in an ark basket, the same word used of Noah’s Ark.
 
A fun little connection there too, just like in the days of Noah, people were going about their lives, when all of a sudden it was flipped turned upside down.
 
We also see Moses flee after he kills an Egyptian harming a fellow Hebrew. Word gets out of his murder, and he runs to the hills. There he is called by God for a special purpose. God reveals His name. “I am.” 
 
Anyways, we are uncertain of exactly what is transpiring in Matthew 24. But Jesus is giving fair warning, be ready for the return of the Son of Man. Be ready for the kingdom to come and be fully at hand.
 
NT Wright uses this as an opportunity to tell us that Jesus is talking, in part, about the destruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Which seems plainly clear when they are literally walking away from the temple and then the company of believers turn around and look at the buildings and Jesus says, “a day is coming when there will be no stone left unturned.” The temple is destroyed in AD 70. So it appears that this is the case, and it would be a desperate situation for the people to run and flee to save themselves.
 
As the teaching progresses, it still remains though, that Jesus is potentially talking about a greater day. A day in which all things will be turned over, and the upside-down kingdom of God will be set right-side up.
 
We don’t know the day of Christ’s return. We simply wait, and must be ready. Moses will deliver the people Israel out of slavery. They will have to act in a hurry, a rush as well. God is always ready to move and carry out his purposes. Let’s ready ourselves as well for what God will do.
 
Be ready and watchful.
Jordan