Are we in the end times? What is the end times? Why should it matter? These are just a few of the questions that have come up lately especially since the war between Israel and Iran.
The end times refer to the period of time before Jesus comes again. The disciples actually asked Jesus what would happen to show that it is time for His return and the end of the age.
Jesus told them to watch out and not be fooled by people claiming to be the Messiah. He also told them not to panic when they hear of wars and rumors of wars because they must happen but the end is still to come.
There will be earthquakes in various places and famines. According to Jesus, all these signs are just the beginning of birth pains. As a mother who didn’t use an epidural during labor, I know that birth pains get worse and more frequent as labor progresses.
So these signs that Jesus mentioned are just the beginning of the end and they will get more intense and frequent. But before these things, Jesus said his disciples will be persecuted and delivered to the synagogues and prisons because of Him as a witness.
There are more signs but we already have information to let us know that we are in the end times. In certain countries, believers have been arrested, punished, and even put to death.
This means Jesus is coming soon! We don’t know when exactly, it could be in our generation or not, but we need to be prepared and alert. There is an urgency for us to complete the task He asked us to do when He left the earth. He wanted us to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey His commands.
Are we ready for Jesus to come again? Have we used the gifts that He gave us to expand His Kingdom? Will we hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? I would hope so.
Prayer
Almighty God in heaven,
Thank You for wanting all to turn away from their sins so that no one would perish. We don’t deserve to know the future of the world. Help us to expand Your Kingdom by using the gifts You gave us to serve others. May Your good news be spread throughout the world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Verses
Matthew 24:3 Jesus’ disciples said, “What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?”
Matthew 24:4-5 Jesus answered, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will claim, ‘I am the Messiah’ and will mislead many”
Mark 13:7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These must happen but the end does not follow immediately
Mark 13:8 There will be earthquakes and famines in various places
Matthew 24:8 All these things are the beginning of birth pains.
Luke 21:12 Before all these things, they will lay hands on you and persecute you, delivering you to synagogues and prisons for my name’s sake
Matthew 24:9 Jesus speaking to disciples, “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated by all nations because of me.”
Revelations 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Matthew 24:44 Be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go, make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them. Teach them to obey all the commands I gave you
1 Peter 4:10 God has given each of you a gift, use it to serve one another
Matthew 25:23 The master said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Song
“Days of Noah” by Eleventh Hour Worship is a new slow song for me. If you want a faster song, “People Get Ready” by Avalon is one I remembered from my college days.
Call To Action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then take the time to read all of Matthew 24 and 25 to get an idea of the end times.