Many false prophets will rise and mislead many. (MHM)
You will hear about wars that are being fought. And you will hear stories about other wars beginning. But don’t be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes. (ERV)
Key Thought
Life in the end times for Jerusalem will be tumultuous. Wars, famines, earthquakes will be on the earth. But these are merely like the labour pains of a woman in childbirth. They were not to become frightened or disoriented. The Lord who reigns, the Lord who will conquer, is still in control and things will happen at his command. Nothing will be left to chance.
While these events anticipate the downfall of Jerusalem, they are only the beginning of the end of the old age. They were not to be afraid. The Lord, who passed through death, the Lord who triumphed in crucifixion, is Lord of all.
Jesus’ disciples would not go where he hasn't been before. No, they were to go about doing what they were supposed to do. They were to be alert! They were to be ready! They were to be faithful! But, is he talking merely about the fall of Jerusalem or about the end of time? It mattered to those who lived through the destruction of Jerusalem, but the point is basically the same for us whether Jesus is talking about a major disaster or The Major Disaster. We are to be faithful and ready and unafraid. Jesus will not forget, abandon, or leave us. When he comes in glory, we will share in it too! We are to be faithful, ready, and unafraid!
While these events anticipate the downfall of Jerusalem, they are only the beginning of the end of the old age. They were not to be afraid. The Lord, who passed through death, the Lord who triumphed in crucifixion, is Lord of all.
Jesus’ disciples would not go where he hasn't been before. No, they were to go about doing what they were supposed to do. They were to be alert! They were to be ready! They were to be faithful! But, is he talking merely about the fall of Jerusalem or about the end of time? It mattered to those who lived through the destruction of Jerusalem, but the point is basically the same for us whether Jesus is talking about a major disaster or The Major Disaster. We are to be faithful and ready and unafraid. Jesus will not forget, abandon, or leave us. When he comes in glory, we will share in it too! We are to be faithful, ready, and unafraid!
Today's Prayer
O Lord, Master and God of all time, and the One and Only God who dwells above time, give me a sense of hope in Your son, a heart of patience, and an eye of expectancy as I await your deliverance, whether it is from the problems that press around me now or whether it is the ultimate deliverance of Jesus’ return! God, do show me your glory and let the coming of your son also be a sign of liberation be for me. In the powerful name of Jesus, you son and representative on earth, I pray. Amen.
Text in Context:
Jesus left the temple area and was walking away. But his followers came to him to show him the temple's buildings. Jesus asked the followers, "Are you looking at these buildings? I tell you the truth. They will be destroyed. Every stone will be thrown down to the ground. Not one stone will be left on another." Later, Jesus was sitting at a place on the Mount of Olives. The followers came to be alone with Jesus. They said, "Tell us when these things will happen. And what will happen to show us that it is time for you to come again and time for the world to end?" Jesus answered: "Be careful! Don't let any person fool you. Many people will come and use my name. They will say, 'I am the Christ. ' And they will fool many people. You will hear about wars that are being fought. And you will hear stories about other wars beginning. But don't be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes. Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat. And there will be earthquakes in different places. These things are like the first pains when something new is born. "Then people will treat you badly. People will give you {to the rulers} to be persecuted (hurt) and killed. All people will hate you. All these things will happen to you because you believe in me. At that time, many believers will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other. Many false prophets will come. They will cause many people to believe wrong things. There will be more and more evil in the world. So most believers will stop showing love. But the person that continues strong to the end will be saved. The Good News about {God's} kingdom will be told in the whole world. It will be told to every nation. Then the end will come.
Matthew 24:1-14 (ERV)
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