Matthew 24:1-14
“Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do ou not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will thse things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
“…the disciples came to him…” again. See 5:1. They were ready to have their questions answered. And Jesus said “See that you are not alarmed…for this must take place.” Because the Lord God is fulfilling his plan, these things must happen. The chaos in our world due to COVID-19 must happen. It is all according to His will and design. So, do not be alarmed.
The chaos in America and across the globe must happen because it is part of His plan to bring everything to an end and make everything new. God is bringing restoration and reconciliation. This must happen. His will, His design, His redemption. Nothing can thwart it.
“…you will be hated by all nations…” This is a global hatred for Christianity. Is this not what we are seeing today?
“…for my names sake.” The hatred that the Jewish religious leaders exhibited for Jesus is now a global hatred. It’s all about Jesus. Get Jesus wrong and you have everything else wrong.
Fall in love with Jesus all over again today. Put your faith and trust in Him. He is the Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end.
Prayer: Father, help us keep our eyes on you, the One who is in charge of the future. Help us stand strong in the face of the world’s hatred for you and truth. Thank you for having a plan that “must take place” to bring us home to you. Amen