If Jesus came on the clouds tomorrow, would it take us by surprise? Would he come like a “thief in the night” or would we be faithfully watching for his return? Throughout the generations, it was his will that his followers continuously watch for his return, and that this would motivate us to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. But until now, the events that Jesus predicted would precede his coming were simply not in place. Today all that has changed, and that is the focus of our continued study. Looking at the signs in our times should not cause us fear but should increase our anticipation and longing for the return of our Savior!
Today we return to Matthew 24 where Jesus speaks privately to his disciples and gives them clues as to the time of his return
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”
Matthew 24:7 (NKJV)
In a previous article, I quoted from a man named Klaus Schwab from the World Economic Forum, and it bears repeating here.
Eve of Destruction: Klaus Schwab Pledges the World Can Find Salvation at Davos 2022
Breitbart Politics
Famine, floods, pestilence, drought, plague, war, and rumors of war. These are the key issues facing the world today and the invitation-only World Economic Forum (WEF) next week in Davos, Switzerland, is just the place to find the answers provided by the select globalist elites, founder Klaus Schwab declared Wednesday.
Mr. Schwab is not a Christ follower by any stretch of the imagination. He is a globalist that is seeking answers to the world’s problems in humanity. So, it is extremely interesting that his statement above sounds like it came directly from Matthew 24.
Pestilence or disease has been a part of human existence since the fall, but as the world continues to deteriorate from the effects of sin, we are seeing more virulent strains of illness and a greater prevalence in diseases like cancer. This truth hit home in 2020 when Covid-19 was declared a world-wide pandemic. Today Covid is mutating more quickly than we can respond, and although the mutations are generally less deadly, they are more quickly spread. Even more prevalent, and perhaps more debilitating, is the fear that surrounds this illness. Never before has something gotten this much media attention, and the constant barrage of “information” has created a culture of anxiety on a worldwide level. The result is cyclical in that fear and anxiety weaken the immune system making even the “healthiest” individual more susceptible to problems. And now we can add Monkeypox to the equation, and although it is primarily limited to only a specific group of people, it is already causing concern on a global level.
“Hong Kong reopens COVID-19 isolation facility as cases spike”
“Walensky, Citing Botched Pandemic Response, Calls for C.D.C. Reorganization”
“What is COVID Anxiety Syndrome?”
“What Happens When Your Immune System Gets Stressed Out?”
In a world marred by sin, it is not surprising that we are seeing an increase in illness and disease, but as believers, we are admonished not to be fearful of these things. Over and over again our Lord reminds us that he is with us through all things.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 15:33 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
And perhaps the most comforting thought it this – no matter what happens to us on this earth, this world is not our home! We have the hope of Heaven!
For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
Hebrews 13:14 (NLT)
Songs of Victory
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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