You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matthew 24:6-8
The planet has been traumatized in the past few months by major climate catastrophes. In July, some parts of the Middle East and Europe were so hot they were deemed unlivable for humans. The war in Ukraine has intensified, as well as the Civil war in Sudan, and a military coup in Niger. In this country, the number of mass shootings is spiraling out of control. In addition, the largest Island in the state of Hawaii-Maui- has been completely devastated by a wildfire of apocalyptic proportions.
As a disciple of Christ and a student of the Bible, I am amazed at the accuracy of the many prophecies in the Bible about the end of times. Yet, many people are choosing to ignore the warnings while pretending that things will somehow get better. While environmentalists are keen to blame all natural disasters on pollution and relaxed environmental laws, we know there is a more ominous reason that is biblically related.
In today’s passage, Jesus predicts some of the dreadful events of the end of time. Accordingly, there will be wars and rumors of wars, nations will rise against nations, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famine and earthquakes in various places. Yet, the Lord cautions believers not to be alarmed, for these are but the beginning of the suffering that will precede His second coming.
In the meantime, believers are to remain vigilant and prayerful. Disciples of Jesus will have to dig deeper into their faith because many will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death. Jesus already warned that “many will turn away from their faith and will betray and hate each other” (v. 10).” This is why it is so important to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:23-25).
Jesus' prophetic warnings are not designed to scare us, but to encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith and to proclaim His gift of salvation to the world with more urgency and consistency. When I see the fire that is burning in Maui this week, I am convicted to write more devotionals, teach more Bible studies, and proclaim the name of Jesus all the more. The war in Ukraine and Sudan makes me want to love my neighbor more. The political crisis in Niger makes me want to become a drum major for peace and a defender of the weak and marginalized.
Let us not grow weary in doing what is right and loving one another. Love can, indeed, conquer all, and reverse some of the demonic trends in the world. Each of us has the power to transform the world into the kingdom of God with one act of random kindness (ARK). Despite the natural disasters, wars, famine, mass shootings, and divisiveness in our world, all things will work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
Questions for Personal Reflection
How are you preparing for the end of times and the return of Jesus?
How are world events impacting your faith as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, thank you for preparing me to remain strong in my faith during these difficult times in the world. Please help me to be more fervent in my prayer life and my commitment to studying your holy word so I can stand firm to the end.
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