Catherine de’ Medici summoned the author of the enigmatic quatrains, and when her husband was killed in a joust by a lance thrust beneath his helmet, Nostradamus gained fame as a man who could foresee the future. This story opens a sermon on the question that Jesus’ disciples also asked as they looked at the mighty walls of the temple: when will the end come (Matt. 24). Jesus does not give a date, but he warns against false messiahs, reports of wars, and persecutions intended to divert attention from God, and he calls for perseverance and vigilance. Listen if you find yourself spiritually procrastinating and putting off until later what should be settled with God today.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- The disciples ask Jesus when the temple will be destroyed and what the sign of His coming will be, and He begins with: "Watch out that no one deceives you." Why do you think He answers with a warning instead of a date?
- Matthew 24 weaves together two perspectives: the destruction of the temple in AD 70 and Christ's return at the end of the age. What does it tell you that Christians, remembering Jesus' words, actually fled to the mountains at that time?
- The sermon mentioned Nostradamus, the year 2012 and predicted dates for the end of the world. Where does our desire to know the future come from, and how can it pull our attention away from God?
- Jesus says false prophets, news of wars and persecution will try to weaken faith, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. What is most trying to pull your attention away from God right now?
- The picture of the days of Noah shows people busy eating, drinking and marrying, who noticed nothing until the flood came. How can ordinary everyday life lull your spiritual alertness to sleep?
- The preacher warned against spiritual procrastination, using the example of Constantine, who put off baptism until the end of his life. What stands between you and God today, and what can you do about it this week?
