"I tell you the truth..." Matthew 24:34a

“I tell you the truth this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.”  (Matthew 24:34)

Just before making His declaration that His words would last forever, Jesus utilized the phrase, ITYTT, in making the above declaration. As He continued describing the last days, Jesus used the story of Noah for showing how unknowing humanity will be when He returns to make all things new (read vv. 36-39). Then, the Master Teacher utilized vivid imagery to reveal an eternal truth: the security of the saints.

Jesus told how people will be living life as usual, with marriages, celebrating life, working in a field or in a manufacturing plant. He detailed how, at the time of His return, two people could be working in a field when suddenly one will be taken away to heaven, leaving the other behind; two women could be processing flour when suddenly one will be taken away to heaven, leaving the other… right before the eyes of any others left behind (vv. 40-41)!

There is both a blessing and a curse found in Jesus’ words: the blessing is found in God’s favor toward those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord, thereby guaranteeing them the privilege as a citizen of heaven; the curse is to those left behind who will face the horror and calamity of earth’s destruction. This is why Christians are so earnest in sharing their faith with their family and friends: like our heavenly Father, we wish that none should perish.

Paul described the security of the saints in his letter to Christians in Rome: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Matthew recorded Jesus instructing all Believers to keep watch (v. 42) for His second arrival, “…at an hour when you do not expect Him.” (v.44). Believers are to be found ready for His arrival. We will discover more on this important precept in the next few days. For now, if you know Christ as your Savior, thank Him for securing you as an eternal citizen of heaven.

Have a blessed day…