Psalm 30, 32, 42, 43
Haggai 2:1-19
Revelation 3:1-6
Matthew 24:1-14
Just as an earlier collection of passages focused on the
beginning and the end, today’s passages have both rejoicing and grief. Jesus
foretells the fall of the temple in Jerusalem and the deaths of many of his
followers while the psalmist rejoices in blessings from God following a time of
troubles.
Today’s Matthew passage is one of those passages when Jesus does
not mince words. He does not speak through a story. He tells those listening
exactly what is going to happen in the near time to him and later to the Temple
building and to them. It is one of those “smack upside the head” moments Jesus
has from time to time. His ministry was coming close to a close and there was
no time for debate about His message and He clearly explained what His
followers would be experiencing following his crucifixion.
Jesus never said it would be easy. He just promises that it
will be good in the end.
The psalmist in Psalm 30 brings us back to that ultimate hope.
In verse 5, he reminds us, “For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for
a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
I do not know why it seems so much easier to cling to bad
news and dwell on the worst things can be. We have such a tendency to
catastrophize everything at the least hint of trouble when events rarely merit
such a response. Jesus and the psalmist help us keep even the rough times, and
there will be rough times, in perspective.
Joy does come in the morning.
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