Are You Listening? Not Just a Song!

Do you remember the childhood song, "are you listening?"  The words went something like this:  

Are you listening (are you listening)

Brother John (brother john)

Morning bells are ringing (repeat)

Something-something (repeat).

Let's "listen together" but not to this childhood song; instead, let's listen for the words and teachings of Jesus, Jesus Christ of Nazareth; Yeshua Messiah.  I hope you will come along this journey with me!

Background Story.  Last night we had an earthquake; and, I felt it!  It felt like a really quick but strong jolt in my area.  Later, I found out it was located about a mile of San Bernadino, California.  For those of you who don't know, I am in the southern California area.

I posted I felt it on social media, and some people were like, no big deal, it was a small one.  Well, maybe to them it seemed small, because they were not near the epicenter, or they didn't feel it as strongly as I did!

For those of you who don't know, Jesus told his disciples that earthquakes in various places would occur.   I like to warn others of Jesus's return, and to encourage all, myself included, to get ready for his return.  So, when I remind people of earthquakes, whether big or small, I am reminding them of Jesus.  I am reminding people, and myself, to take heed of Jesus' words and teachings; to follow after Jesus; to obey all that Jesus taught and said; to go re-read for myself or yourself the words of Jesus and learn from him.  

What Happened Yesterday (see blog).  Only yesterday in my private reading Bible time, I was going through Matthew.  I read how Jesus says to LET MY LIGHT SHINE BEFORE MEN (ALL PEOPLE) in Matthew 7:16.  I think I even blogged about it yesterday!  Today, I feel led to go re-read Matthew chapter 24 where Jesus is responding to his disciples question about the end of the age.  One thing I noticed first, is that ALL THE STONES WERE KNOCKED DOWN AND DESTROYED.  Do you see it?  Did you see it?  Let's go to Matthew 24 and see what Jesus actually said in response to his disciples' (friends' and followers') questions.  If you want to skip to verse 7, that's where Jesus talks about EARTHQUAKES.  But, I included the other verses for CONTEXT.  (You can read entire chapter 24 at bible dot com).  One thing to notice is that Jesus is always speaking; are we listening to Jesus speaking?  We need to be!  Revelation 3:20 Jesus says, "I stand at the door and knock.  If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

MATTHEW 24: 1-10

Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple

1Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age

3Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

4And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

According to Jesus, in verse 8, all these (from verse 7, things like nation against nation, famines, plagues, and earthquakes will be the beginning of sorrows.  What sorrows are coming upon us?  

Let's look at verse 14.  What must happen before the end will come?  (this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.)  

 What does verse 10 mention?  (...many will be offended, many will betray and hate one another...)  My friend, do you want to be included in that group of betrayers and haters?  I for one, do not!  If you have offense, hatred, or betrayal in your heart towards me or others, why not go to Jesus and ask him to get rid of it for you?  We cannot get rid of sin in our hearts on our own, by ourselves.  But, Jesus can heal us.  Jesus can deliver us.  Jesus can set us free!!  Will you let him do that for you today, my friend?! 

Today's Prayer~

Dear Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Yeshua Messiah, I am sorry for any and all sin, known and unknown sin I've ever done.  Would You please forgive me today for my sin against you, for my sin against others, for my sin against myself.  Lord Jesus, You are the Holy One, You are the Lion of Judah, You are the King of all kings, and You are the Lord of all Lords.  I declare that You are the Most High God, above all other Gods; Lord Jesus Christ, there is none like You!  I give You all the glory, honor and praise.  You are worthy dear Lord; yes, You are worthy Lamb of God!  I love you to the moon and back.  I am so grateful for your wonderful love.  Please help me live a life worthy of your calling in Christ Jesus upward.  I give You all of my life afresh and anew today.  Help me live for Your kingdom and for Your glory.  Amen.

For additional reading, see Matthew 24: 1-51 (bible dot com or bible hub dot com or bible gateway dot com).  Blessings and shalom to you and your household.