We know that Jesus is coming again and this gives us a tremendous assurance but the many passages about the end times also challenge us of the stress that is to come especially to those who don’t follow Jesus. The conversation 2,000 years ago between Jesus and His disciples is fascinating. Jesus warns them to remain focused on Him.
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?”
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 rumours 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” Matthew 24:3-14, ESV.
To “endure to the end” is the most important thing to do. We know it will be hard and that we will suffer even as believers but we know that God through the Holy Spirit will help us and He will never leave us, so be prepared and trust Him for everything. Pray for those you know who are suffering today.