Nougat 17

It is believed that when the original Biblical text was written, it had limited or no punctuation, no verses or chapters. What was recorded were streams of thought that may have been grouped together for clarity. We must be conscious therefore, that although the reflections on the Nougats are bite-sized (albeit chunky bites sometimes), we have to read in context.

So you might have noticed that while reflecting on the End Times and Jesus’ Second Coming, I have often doubled, even tripled up our Nougat readings. I bring this to our attention because Today’s Holy Nougat is definitely an extension of yesterday’s, which stands on the entire chapter.

As we consider our Nougat, let’s ask ourselves A) what we have grasped from the previous nougats on the topic, how do we integrate the learnings into our current faith journey, and C) with whom, and how shall we share this learning.

“In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This Generation shall not pass

There is a tendency, especially in our time, toward thinking of our youth and children as the next generation. While this holds true in one sense, we run the risk of missing the gifts they offer us to help us cope in the now. Additionally, we may neglect to share the wisdom that comes with experience of painful mistakes and positive breakthrough.

Jesus was interested in ALL generations, whether those past, present or future. In this prophetic teaching on His Second Coming however, the question may pop up in our minds – which generation is ‘this’ generation? Our clue begins with the phrase ‘you can know his return is very near, right at the door.’ For, if someone is at our door, it is usually the person who is closest to the door who answer.

In taking that literal ‘logic’ and applying it to Jesus teaching, it may be safe to determine that the generation about whom He refers would not be adults or seniors. Rather it’s the youth and children of the time. This begs the question, what time? I’d argue that it is those present at the sound of the trumps.

The elders and adults who have been marked in Christ would possibly have gone to meet Jesus, some might have the opportunity to behold Him in all His glory as Anna and Simeon did.

BUT,

It’s within the lifetime of those who are witnesses to the historic budding of the fig tree that Christ will return.

It is an invitation for us therefore to ensure that the current generation knows, recognizes, and interprets the signs of the times. Yes, our God allows donkeys to speak, and if we fail to fulfill our praise, even the rocks will praise Him. When we understand the urgency of our task and grasp the implications of climate change, conflicts and diverse signs, we will move with alacrity to tell others from all nations, from all generations that Christ’s eternal reign is imminent. It’s time to put our spiritual houses in order.

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May all we seek be found in Christ