February 1st Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

THERE IS NO MISDIRECTION WITH GOD  

Matthew 24:26, 30-31 “So if anyone tells you, ‘There He is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here He is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it . . .” “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” 

Jesus will come as He said. No one knows the day or time when this will be (see the next devotion.) In spite of not knowing, over the centuries, many have announced publicly an exact day and time for His return. In most instances, when this happens, those hearing such pronouncements believe them and do all sorts of foolish things such as sell their homes, dress in white robes, go to the top of mountains, schedule special worship services, etc.   

Today’s devotional verses say there will be a sign in the heavens when Christ returns. Bible scholars have studied and debated what this sign might be. It appears from the words that follow that this sign may indeed be Jesus Christ Himself appearing unto the world, eg., “. . . all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” 

God will not misdirect the people of the world. 1 John 3:2 “Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” This phrase, “we shall see Him as He is,” serves as a focal point for understanding the believer’s ultimate destiny: a future, transformed state in which the faithful will fully perceive and know Christ in His glorified, resurrected form. 

Prayer: Grant, O Lord, that this word will be fulfilled for me and I will see Jesus in all His glory. Amen. 

Wake, awake, for night is flying,”   
The watchmen on the heights are crying:   
“Awake, Jerusalem, arise!”  
Midnight hears the welcome voices   
And at the thrilling cry rejoices:  
“Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?  
The Bridegroom comes, awake!  
Your lamps with gladness take!  Alleluia!
With bridal care Yourselves prepare  
To meet the Bridegroom, who is near.” 

Zion hears the watch men singing,  
And all her heart with joy is springing;  
She wakes she rises from her gloom.  
For her Lord comes down all glorious,  
The strong in grace, in truth victorious;  
Her star is ris’n, her light is come.  
Now come, Thou blessed One,  
Lord Jesus, God’s own Son,  Hail! Hosanna!
We enter all The wedding hall  
To eat the Supper at Thy call. 

Now let all the heav’ns adore Thee,  
Let saints and angels, sing before Thee  
With harp and cymbals’ clearest tone.  
Of once pearl each shining portal,  
Where, joining with the choir immortal,  
We gather round Thy radiant throne.  
No eye has seen the light,  
No ear has heard the might  
Of Thy glory; Therefore will we Eternally  
Sing hymns of praise and joy to Thee!  

Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying // LSB 516