“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” -Matthew 24:3
Here is a summary of the events that Jesus gave as a reply to His disciples’ question (see Matthew 24:4-12):
- Deceptive people will come claiming to be Christ.
- There will be wars and rumors of wars.
- Nation (the word used here means ethnic group) will rise against nation (ethnic group), and kingdom against kingdom.
- Famines.
- Pestilences.
- Earthquakes.
- God’s followers will be persecuted for their Biblical beliefs, and they will be hated and killed.
- Many will be offended and will betray one another.
- False prophets will arise.
- Because lawlessness (sin) will be so prevalent people’s love for each other will grow cold.
Can you see these events intensifying over the last 10-20 years? How about over the past 5?
These events are to come as labor pains come upon a woman. (Matthew 24:8) Any ladies who have experienced labor know that contractions start out slow, but then get more intense the closer she gets to delivering her precious baby. The same type of “pains”, listed above, will happen more and more frequently as we get closer to Jesus’s second coming.
So, what are we to do?
- We are to wake up and pray for God to pour out the Holy Spirit to prepare us for ministry (See the parable of the 10 Virgins [woman = church in Bible prophecy, oil = the Holy Spirit])
- Pray that we are lead into the truth which is only found through Jesus/God’s word the Bible. (See Psalms 25:4-5, John 14:6, John 1:1-4, 14).
- We are to endure (be faithful in trials) until the end. And while doing that,
- We are to preach the message of Jesus’ soon return to the world.
If this seems like a lot to take in, you’re not alone! Thankfully God has provided ample evidence in His word that He will never leave us or forsake us no matter how trying the times get just before His return. His word is sure and we can trust Him to keep His promises.
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. -Matthew 24:13-14
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” -Revelation 22:20
May God grant us His grace to be faithful, and endure to the end, is my prayer for you and me both.
-Kirsten
PS: Do you know someone who would be blessed by this message? Please feel free to share the link so they can be encouraged too!