In many adventure movies, it is common for characters to find a map leading to “treasure” . . . if only they could decipher how the map was oriented. There is a mountain they are supposed to go around . . . but which mountain is it? There is a river they are to cross . . . but how do I know if it is the Canadian or the Caney? There is a cave they are supposed to descend into . . . but which hole in the ground is it? This plot device has been utilized in scripts from Indiana Jones to Pirates of the Caribbean to Star Wars, and makes for a very entertaining story. Eventually, Rey or Indy or Captain Jack find a clue that anchors them to the map and helps unveil which “x” marks the spot.
I was thinking about this today as I was preparing for this Sunday’s continuation of our series on the return of Jesus entitled “Tomorrow: Preparing for the Son to Rise Again.” Over the first two Sundays of this series, we have seen Jesus talk about the clock counting down to His second coming and the establishment of the Kingdom (in Matthew 24:1-31). However, is it possible to orient ourselves today to this “map” en route to tomorrow? And what does Jesus treasure as our response to the “map” He has delivered?
This Sunday at Wildwood in our 9:45 and 11:00 services, we will be looking at what Jesus had to say about this in Matthew 24:32-51 in part 3 of our series. Make plans to join us this weekend, as we prepare today for the coming tomorrow. See you Sunday!