There have been many books written, sermons preached, even movies made about the last days and the return of Christ. Some even claim to have been Christ or knew the day or the time when it would occur. Some have used the endctomes to decieve and manipulate people instilling great guilt and fear.
Jesus spoke to his disciples about many thing’s when the end will be close during the Olivet discourse in Matthew 24-25 about Israel. The use of apocalyptic language, and it includes Jesus’ warning to his followers that they will suffer tribulation and persecution before the ultimate triumph of the Kingdom of God.
Is this suffer and future persecution real? Yes.
“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other… “
Families will be divided, tensions will rise… Like the old adage ‘don’t fight over religion and politics’!
“and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”
The prosperity gospel along with the extreme self help gospel has led multitudes away from the truth of Christ and his suffering. Salvation is found in Christ not ourselves! He died on the cross for the whole world and mankind’s sin not for just a few select.
Many have turn their back on God. Even as violence and evil increase many still doubt God’s love.
Note what Paul says:
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that”!
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT
We are warned and admonished in Scripture to stand firm. Be strong, trust the Lord in everything the good, the bad, and the ugly times. We are to endure until the end and occupy until He comes. Live life to the fullest, not live live in fear, but face our fears with God’s help. Stand for truth and not get caught up with this world’s thought. But to have the mind of Christ.
Be ready, be prepared, be loving, be holy, and be strong!
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:10-14 NIV
The second coming of Christ is an exhaustive subject, but a brief devotion to look at to be ready and instant in season and out of season will help us to share God’s love.
Christ return is not a fairy tale or some interesting literature, but truth that he admonishes us to be ready and not listen to the naysayers.
I know this devotion is something to think about and my prayer is that each of us would examine our lives and motives. That our hearts would be filled with God’s love.
Enjoy your day and week my friend.
The Watering Hole Journey 