Discernment in times of crisis.

A reading from Matthew 24:15 28 on the Daily Bible refresh.

Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.

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Here's today's reading from Matthew 24:15 28 reading from the Message the Monster of Desecration but be ready to run for it when you see the monster of desecration set up in the temple sanctuary.

The prophet Daniel described this if you've read Daniel, you know what I'm talking about.

If you're living in Judea at the time, run for the hills.

If you're working in the yard, don't return to the house to get anything.

If you're out in the field, don't go back and get your coat.

Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard.

Hope and pray this won't happen during the winter or on a Sabbath.

This is going to be trouble on a scale beyond what the world has ever seen.

But or we'll see again.

If these days of trouble were left to run their course, nobody would make it.

But on account of God's chosen people, the trouble will be cut short.

The Arrival of the Son of Man if anyone tries to flag you down, calling out here's the Messiah, or points out, there he is, don't fall for it.

Fake messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere.

Their impressive credentials and bewitching performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better.

But I've given you fair warning.

So if they say run to the country and see him arrive, or quick, get downtown, see him come, don't give them the time of day.

The arrival of the Son of Man isn't something you go to see.

He comes like a swift lightning to you.

Whenever you see the crowds gathering.

Think of carrion vultures circling, moving in, hovering over a rotting carcass.

You can be quite sure that it's not the living son of man pulling in those crowds.

Wow, what a powerful passage of scripture.

And let's reflect on a little bit here where this is what we call an apocalyptic text that is read now through a progressive lens is what we do and offers wisdom on navigating times of great social upheaval and help us to discern what is authentic and what is not, especially with regards to matters of justice.

Let's think about this from some points to ponder.

So we're going here talking.

The first point is about going beyond literal apocalypse.

And this passage here uses apocalyptic imagery.

Progressive theology invites us to see it as a powerful metaphor for times of social crises and transformation.

The monster of desecration might represent systems of oppression that violate human dignity, whether through environmental destruction, economic exploitation or state violence.

Another point to ponder is about communities of discernment.

Jesus warnings about false messiahs speaks to our need for careful discernment in times of crisis.

In our era of misinformation, personality cults and quick fix solutions, this reminds us that authentic transformation rarely comes through charismatic individuals, but through grounded communities working for justice.

One more point.

It's about solidarity in crisis.

Notice Jesus.

Particular concern for vulnerable populations.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, those without the resources to flee.

This suggests that our response to crisis should center on those most at risk.

True liberation movements protect the vulnerable rather than sacrificing them for the convenience of the privilege.

Let's take a look at our action step.

Practice crisis discernment.

That is choose an urgent issue facing your community.

Climate change, housing crisis, racial injustice, economic pressures.

Research how this crisis affects the most vulnerable among us.

Then evaluate proposed solutions based on whether they center on those communities needs or not.

And maybe share your findings with others and build kind of a library of collective wisdom for action.

We're going to come back with a prayer, a closing prayer here in just a moment.

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Let's pray.

Oh God, you're the source of wisdom and truth in times that feel apocalyptic.

When crisis surrounds us, when false solutions tempt us.

Grant us clarity of wisdom, of vision and wisdom to discern true paths to justice.

Help us center the vulnerable, build authentic community and resist the lure of quick fixes.

May we be people who choose the slow work of true transformation over the flash of a false promise.

In determination and hope we pray.

Amen.

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My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.

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