Are we heading for the end times? Most certainly we are, but when that will take place is uncertain even for Jesus or God’s angels (Mark 13:32), only God knows the time. Jesus states in Matthew 24:14 When the word is preached to “all nations” and then the end will come. Jesus does tell us in Matthew, chapter 24 that there will be signs that the end is coming. Matt. 24:4 also states”Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. Jesus goes on to say in verse 6 that “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.”
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| Swallowtail visiting our pear tree. |
Jesus again says in Matthew 24 when he goes on to tell his disciples “nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” In isolating just one of these events, one must ask, is there an increase in earthquakes today? It appears so by all the devastation caused in Japan, China, New Zealand and Haiti over these past two years. But, are these the birth pains that Jesus is speaking of?
Jesus goes on to tell his disciples in Matthew 24 about all the horrible events that will take place during the times of the end, and how many will fall away due to the difficulties of these horrific times. He encourages those listening to him to be faithful though until the end. One resounding theme stated here is that he wants us to be aware of the signs of the times as is also quoted by Jesus in Luke, chapter 21. I would encourage you to read the Bible and glean out what our Lord is saying to you and not to be ignorant of the times we are in. Is God speaking to you about this subject? Read his word, pray and seek his will concerning yourself in this area. Talk to your pastor about the end times and what this might entail for you and your family. Perhaps this would be a good topic for a Bible Study as well.
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| Enjoying the field of wild daisies. |
I know that there are individuals who generate fear by telling us all that will happen in the end times, in order for us to believe the words they are telling us. Jesus wants us to be aware of the End Times events, but he also desires for us to not be afraid. Hebrews 13:6 states, “The Lord is my helper: I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” I believe that God wants us to seek him out and know “the signs of the times” but he also wants us to be connected to him by his Word, his Holy Spirit, and our church leaders. Be concerned, but do not panic when you read and possibly see the signs of the times around you. God is with us and he will not leave us, ever. We need to seek him out and he will be there, to comfort us and teach us all that we need to know. Be at peace~
