Posted by Jerry Teo • Feb 26, 2022
Our Best Thought is a weekly devotional thoughtfully penned by leaders in DUMC arising from their daily devotions. The devotional’s title, “Our Best Thought” is taken from the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision” as a reference to God: “Thou my best thought, by day or by night.” Publishes on Sundays.
Scripture:
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:12-14
Observation:
So far in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus taught the disciples many things about God’s Kingdom. In Matthew 24, He spoke about things that were yet to come.
This triggered the disciples’ curiosity about the future, especially related to the end of the age, and went to Jesus to find out more.
Jesus listed a lot of things that were going to happen, and we can witness that some have already happened in our present time. There were things for them to observe and understand as the time of His return draws closer.
But it is not the exact time that Jesus wanted the disciples to understand. Rather, it was their response of being ready when He comes.
There were two areas that Jesus said His disciples were to be watchful of: things that would happen around them, and things that would happen within them.
Things happening around them would be things such as false claims of the saviour, rumours of wars, the nation will rise against nation, famines and earthquakes, His people being persecuted and put to death and the increasing wickedness of our society.
Things happening within them would possibly be deception, trouble or disturbances, hurts and pains, temptations or doubts, and so on.
Application:
The question I ask myself is, “What can I do to be ready?”
First, I can learn from the responses of the disciples in v3:
“..they came to him privately.”
They drew closer to Jesus to seek understanding.
I need to observe current world issues through the lens of Christ so that I would not be deceived by people who claim to be prophets or teachers but do not teach according to God’s word and will. I can also see the world by bringing issues that happen around it to Jesus in prayer and intercession.
Second, I should not let the growing corruption of this world distract me and affect my love for Jesus.
In verse 12, Jesus said,
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold”.
I have to guard my heart, to not let my love for God grow cold. Obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit is to live a holy life. This is by not loving the world, but by loving God. Just as Titus 2:12 says:
“It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,”
Lastly is to seek to know His will and do His will. The clearest calling I got is to continue preaching the Gospel everywhere. Referring to verse 13,
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
So I shall stay focused and keep going in serving my wonderful master until the time He returns.
Response:
Dear Heavenly Father,
There are many things in this world that may distract me and draw me away from You.
Thank You for the Holy Spirit that You have given me to keep guiding me to stay focused on You.
Although I may not comprehend what You have revealed to me through Your word even as I observe the things happening around me in this world, You remain faithful to keep me by Your side and lead me through.
I pray that by Your grace and mercy, You will guide me to be ready when You return. I surrender myself to You, God. I pray in the name of Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Jerry Teo is Coordinator of the KL Urban Fellowship.
Our Best Thought is a weekly devotional that follows DUMC’s Bible Reading Plan. Posts on Sundays.