By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sermon Series: Prayers of the Bible
Sermon Text: Matthew 24:36-44
Sermon Theme
There is a popular series of books and films that takes the title “Left Behind.” The thesis of this series is that at Christ’s return he will take believers to heaven with him while non-believers will be “left behind” to face the judgment of the great tribulation. Yet some Biblical scholars have pointed out that this highly imaginative scenario is really the opposite of what the Bible teaches. Those who are left behind are the faithful while the unfaithful are taken away to judgment (which the example of Noah illustrates). To be left behind is also to be left to face challenges. It may mean being left alone. To be left behind is a positive sign of being in God’s service (as is the case with Elijah and Titus). We are not left forever. Ultimately we will be gathered into Christ’s kingdom.
Sermon Outline
- Alone. Throughout Scripture those who are left behind are those who have been spared God’s judgment on the majority. In some cases there is literally one person who is left alone such as Elijah (I Kings 18:22) or Titus (Titus 1:5). In many cases it is a small group like Noah and his family (Genesis 7:23), the Israelites who are passed over by the angel of death (Exodus 12:13), or the remnant after the destruction of Jerusalem (Isaiah 1:9; Zephaniah 3:11-13). To be left behind in such cases is an acknowledgment of faithfulness. However, it is not a privilege, much less a safe position in human terms. It is a call to service. To be left behind as God’s faithful servant is to be refined as gold in fire (Zecharian 13:8-9). The cost is high. The opportunity is great.
- Allied. To be left behind is to be left with a mission. That mission invariably points to, and participates in, God’s plan of redemption and reconciliation. The faithful are left behind to fulfill God’s purpose. Noah is left behind to build a new humanity. The children of Israel are left behind to become God’s covenant people. The remnant are left behind to continue God’s purpose in the land promised to their ancestors. The disciples are left behind to proclaim Jesus Christ in a world that is hostile to them (John 17:11-19). None of these is equal to the task. Nevertheless, Christ reminds his followers that though they are a “little flock,” it is the Father’s good pleasure to give them his kingdom (Luke 12:32).
- Affirmed. To be left behind is to be spared God’s judgment. It is to be exempt from his wrath. Yet the task of mission in such circumstances is challenging and often difficult. Titus was left behind to serve people who were “liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12). The people of Israel faced the temptations in the wilderness. Elijah had to endure the wrath of Jezebel. The apostles confronted the opposition of both the Jews and the Romans. We live in a world that is increasingly indifferent and even hostile to the gospel. How are we to function? God affirms us in such circumstances. We are never truly alone. Moses was supported by Aaron and Miriam (Micah 6:4). Titus had Paul (Titus 1:4). And Elijah was told that there were yet seven thousand who had not bowed the knee to Baal (I Kings 19:18). When we feel alone, left behind to face challenges and conflicts, we can become afraid and disheartened (I Kings 19:14). But God never leaves us alone. Jesus has promised to send us the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). The Spirit often comes to us through other people (Titus 3:12). We have this assurance only as we respond to God’s calling. We are never left behind forever. At the right time we will be gathered into the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:31).
Questions for Us
- How do we resist the temptation of simply wanting to escape from the tribulations and trials of the world?
- Have you found yourself in the situation where you were the only Christian in a given setting? What was that like for you?
- How can we recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in other Christians supporting and affirming us in our service to Christ (Colossians 1:7-8)?
