For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
The saying stands in a discourse that blends the coming destruction of Jerusalem with the final events of earth's history, and that discourse is addressed to people living in those last scenes. The destruction of Jerusalem foretold in the chapter is a type of the world's final destruction by fire. God's judgments come upon cities whose inhabitants dishonor Him and reject His warnings, and the fall of Jerusalem shows that even grand, seemingly lasting buildings cannot withstand those judgments.
The saying belongs to the warning against claims that Christ is present in a particular place, for His coming will be as unmistakable as lightning shining across the sky. The image of the carcass and the eagles is left without further explanation. It is one of the signs and waymarks preceding the revelation of the Son of man that show the foretold events of the second coming will surely take place. Those signs warn people to watch for His coming rather than ignore the evidence that it is near.
The predictions of the chapter, including this saying, are being fulfilled today amid the perils of the last days and calamities approaching wicked cities, showing that Christ's coming is at hand. When all these things are seen the coming is nigh even at the doors. This generation shall not pass till all be fulfilled, and heaven and earth shall pass away but His words shall not pass away.
The saying is to be studied and brought to the attention of all, with ministers and teachers leaving matters of lesser consequence to present its truths as deciding eternal destiny. The church is to arouse as it sees unmistakable fulfilment of prophecy. Those perishing in sin and the world are to be warned, including those in danger in the cities where calamities approach and the end is near.
Since no one knows what hour the Lord comes, all must watch and be ready like the faithful and wise servant who gives meat in due season and will be made ruler over all goods. The contrast is the evil servant who says his lord delays his coming and smites fellow servants and eats and drinks with the drunken. That servant will be punished in an hour he is not aware of, cut asunder, and appointed with hypocrites where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Looking for the coming of the Son of man in the perils of the last days brings those who profess to look for it into distressing perplexity that proves the genuineness of their faith, especially the young. Being prepared for His coming requires sacrifice and separation from the world, not yielding to its influence, uniting with unbelievers in picnics and gatherings of pleasure, or enjoying frivolous empty conversation. Such indulgences separate from God and make Sabbath-keepers children of the world whom God does not own as followers, while only those who are self-denying and live in sobriety, humility and holiness are true followers.
Securing eternal riches and eternal life requires using entrusted money to advance the last message of mercy and sustain gospel work rather than spending for self-gratification and earthly riches which will crumble to dust with eternal loss. It comes only through self-denial, sacrifice of earthly riches, much tribulation, and constant warfare without laying down weapons until Christ gives rest. The image of vultures gathered around a dead body applies to people who watch for faults in fellow believers, supporting the warning not to pick flaws in others but to attend to one's own life.
The saying stands in a discourse that blends the coming destruction of Jerusalem with the final events of earth's history, and that discourse is addressed to people living in those last scenes. The destruction of Jerusalem foretold in the chapter is a type of the world's final destruction by fire. God's judgments come upon cities whose inhabitants dishonor Him and reject His warnings, and the fall of Jerusalem shows that even grand, seemingly lasting buildings cannot withstand those judgments.
The saying belongs to the warning against claims that Christ is present in a particular place, for His coming will be as unmistakable as lightning shining across the sky. The image of the carcass and the eagles is left without further explanation. It is one of the signs and waymarks preceding the revelation of the Son of man that show the foretold events of the second coming will surely take place. Those signs warn people to watch for His coming rather than ignore the evidence that it is near.
The predictions of the chapter, including this saying, are being fulfilled today amid the perils of the last days and calamities approaching wicked cities, showing that Christ's coming is at hand. When all these things are seen the coming is nigh even at the doors. This generation shall not pass till all be fulfilled, and heaven and earth shall pass away but His words shall not pass away.
The saying is to be studied and brought to the attention of all, with ministers and teachers leaving matters of lesser consequence to present its truths as deciding eternal destiny. The church is to arouse as it sees unmistakable fulfilment of prophecy. Those perishing in sin and the world are to be warned, including those in danger in the cities where calamities approach and the end is near.
Since no one knows what hour the Lord comes, all must watch and be ready like the faithful and wise servant who gives meat in due season and will be made ruler over all goods. The contrast is the evil servant who says his lord delays his coming and smites fellow servants and eats and drinks with the drunken. That servant will be punished in an hour he is not aware of, cut asunder, and appointed with hypocrites where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Looking for the coming of the Son of man in the perils of the last days brings those who profess to look for it into distressing perplexity that proves the genuineness of their faith, especially the young. Being prepared for His coming requires sacrifice and separation from the world, not yielding to its influence, uniting with unbelievers in picnics and gatherings of pleasure, or enjoying frivolous empty conversation. Such indulgences separate from God and make Sabbath-keepers children of the world whom God does not own as followers, while only those who are self-denying and live in sobriety, humility and holiness are true followers.
Securing eternal riches and eternal life requires using entrusted money to advance the last message of mercy and sustain gospel work rather than spending for self-gratification and earthly riches which will crumble to dust with eternal loss. It comes only through self-denial, sacrifice of earthly riches, much tribulation, and constant warfare without laying down weapons until Christ gives rest. The image of vultures gathered around a dead body applies to people who watch for faults in fellow believers, supporting the warning not to pick flaws in others but to attend to one's own life.