PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 24:1-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.” (Matthew 24:6)
Sometimes, like the disciples, we are so impressed with what we have accomplished.
Jesus sees past our supposed greatness to the reality of our sinful hearts.
Human depravity is always buried beneath the surface, showing up somehow.
The current COVID-19 crisis is also exposing the sinful human heart.
Jesus warns this will increase toward the end, the beginning of the birth pangs.
And then He says ‘no need to be alarmed!’… is He serious?
We should not be surprised by the rise of problems in our world…
We should not be surprised how this virus has turned our world upside down.
But neither should we be derailed by it, nor thrown into fear and despair.
In the middle of this and every crisis, remember that this is part of the plan.
Jesus urges us to stand firm in His love, joy, peace, like a light in a dark world.
In this and every crisis, we need to commit to loving and serving in Jesus’ Name.
No matter what happens politically, socially, economically… the kingdom call is love!
This is what impresses Him… not our buildings, bank accounts, church attendance, etc.
PRAYER
Lord, being alarmed won’t do any good, it will only feed the worlds crisis. May tough times only make us more determined to show the world Your better way, to impress the world with Your kingdom of love!
Looking at photos of the past, seeing where we have been and remembering the challenges we faced – I also see how God took care of us – it could have so easily went another way. I see how we were provided – simply and adequately – we did not need a lot. We also witnessed a lot of ‘man made’ achievements over time – much like the disciples were awed by the temple – but Jesus reminded them and us today – not to put too much into the man made stuff – it will all pass away. My life is not to be in building my own utopia here on earth. God provides more than adequately, I should not expect more – it will all come to nothing in the end. The corona virus reminds us, that our health too can easily crumble – so I need not fear – for the ‘delivery’ will come – we are experiencing the birth pains!
A sign of the times. Jesus did say to His disciples that the happenings like today would happen. But during the famines, earthquakes, etc, remember Christ. He is the Way. Trust Him. God’s message of Good News was/is to walk with Him daily. His love is what we need to share. It is His love that purifies. He is Lord over all. That is the truth. Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy Name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
They that fear and love the Lord
Shall His holy friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.