Matthew 16:27-28 - "Some Standing Here..."

Have you ever pondered the implications of Matthew 16:27-28 (below)? It seems rather straight forward, doesn't it? So it's rather puzzling that commentators are all over the map on this one, with most refusing consider its most obvious meaning i.e. that some of those who stood listening to Jesus, would still be alive to witness His second coming. What's your first impression? Do these two verses make you uncomfortable, causing you to scurry for your footnotes? It can mean what it sounds like it means, can it?

Matthew 16:27-28 (NASB) "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds. 28"Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."

Most often the commentators attempt to do one of two things and sometimes both. They either divorce verse 27 from verse 28 (since chapter divisions were not part of the original manuscripts) as though Jesus was speaking of two events separated by thousands of years i.e. verse 27 referring to a still future 2nd coming, while 28 referred to a more imminent event such as either the transfiguration or Pentecost; OR they couple verse 27 and 28 and argue that Jesus was speaking about about either the transfiguration or Pentecost.

Let me ask you a question. Are the above solutions the most natural and plausible explanations of these verses?

Is it possible that the paradigm/worldview of the commentators, is driving them far afield from what Jesus was actually teaching? Without steeling any of his thunder, consider the short videos believe from Don K. Preston (www.eschatology.org). In these"Preston's Ponderings", Don presents what I believe makes the most exegetical . Well, dig in and be prepared to be challenged.

Handling two objections

Mysterious Mass Deaths of Birds & Fish - Last Day? Kirk Cameron Weighs on CNN

The more I cross paths with actor Kirk Cameron, the more I appreciate him as a brother in Christ. Even though I don't agree with his eschatology, I really love this guy. He's so down to earth and such a committed member of the body.

In the below CNN story regarding the mysterious mass deaths of birds and fish, the interviewer, Anderson Cooper, tried coaxing Cameron into linking these strange occurrences to an impending "end of days" scenario.

Kirk could have easily taken this interview in a very different direction, however, much to my appreciation he stay focused and grounded. Kirk pointed out that after everything is said and done, any given day could be our last. And we MUST be prepared for that day. I think he's right on the money. In this CNN interview with Cameron (halfway through the above clip), Kirk said with a little grin, "I'm not the religious conspiracy theorist go-to guy". And I just about busted a gut. Bravo Kirk!

Then, when CNN's Anderson Cooper pressed him on the whole "Left Behind" series (in which Kirk played a prominent movie role), Kirk said, "I'm probably going to die of some other cause before this [the end of the world] happens." How refreshing! This is a wonderful perspective and one I wish more Christians took.

"True Revelation" by Kenosis

Friend, Dustin Curlee recently sent me a couple of cuts from his new CD, Transidentity. His hip-hop band, Kenosis, comprised of Cody Miles, David Boone and of Dustin, is dedicated to the proclamation and propagation of the Gospel. As they attempt to glorify Christ in all areas of life, they preach a powerful message of fulfilled redemption. I took cut #6, "True Revelation," and added the video. I hope you're blessed half as much as I have been.

(click on 4 small arrows above to bring full screen)