A verse from Matthew’s gospel is giving me particular trouble today. I thought I’d share it. “When they persecute you in one town,” Jesus said, “flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 10:23). What did Jesus mean? Was he saying that his return would be prompt? If so, was he actually wrong? Or is there another meaning to what he was saying? How far should we go in trying to understand it?
I’d rather not get caught up in concerns of that nature. What I take from this passage is the reality of movement, of motion, both of believers and of our Lord. Events unfold, lives change, circumstances are altered. We know this, and Jesus does not deny it. But through it all the hope and the promise remain because Jesus, too, is in motion and in due time he will return and all will be set right according to God’s will. This is certain. Lives that are inherently active are watched over by a Savior who is active as well.
Perhaps Jesus was speaking in metaphors in Matthew, or perhaps his words contain some far more significant message. Whatever the case, the kingdom of God is moving inexorably toward us. Meanwhile, as active as we are we cannot outrun God or God’s will.
Prayer: Lord, all the world is in motion. Help us to see that you are in motion as well, moving in and through and above us and blessing our efforts to your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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