Jesus
told His disciples that the world in which they lived was going to
become more and more chaotic, more and more destructive, and more and
more dangerous for His followers until the end came--until He returned
in great power and glory. The earth was going to be shaken with great
earthquakes; the nations of the world would be involved in innumerable
wars, and the peoples of the world would face
great famines. In addition, the cry of the world's religious leaders
would be, "Behold, the Christ has come. Come with me and I will
introduce him to you." And some of these Christs would be able to work
miracles as evidence of their authenticity. Also, those who patiently
waited for the true Christ to return would face great persecution, not
because God was dissatisfied with them, but because He needed them to
witness to their persecutors. Sadly, the division between true
believers and the false ones would become so great that in some
instances family members would turn in their own parents or their own
children to be persecuted and slain.
Now, why did Christ tell His disciples such "encouraging" news? Three reasons. First, He didn't want them to be taken in by the false Christs and their followers. "When I come back," He told them, "the whole world will know it. My return will light up the skies, make the sun look dull." If you haven't seen Him return in that way, He isn't back yet. Second, He wanted them to not be afraid. No matter how terrible things became, two things they could count on: He would return with power as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He wins. And if they are called upon to defend their faith, even before kings, His Spirit would give them the exact words He wanted them to share. They didn't need to worry or to be afraid of "messing up" and saying the wrong thing. They didn't need to prepare a speech. God would speak through them. Finally, He told them they needed to endure. One day at a time they needed to be faithful.
So, what does God want me to do as the world around me implodes physically and spiritually? To be fearless. How can I do that? Be on the alert for the false Christs and their henchmen; don't be impressed by their "powers." Rest in the confidence that He wins. Rest in the confidence that when He needs me to speak up in His defense, His Spirit will speak for me--He will be glorified. Keep on being faithful, moment by moment resting in Him and in His promises. And do not be angry or upset or surprised if those you love the most betray you. Keep loving them unconditionally.
The King is coming! Be not afraid.
Now, why did Christ tell His disciples such "encouraging" news? Three reasons. First, He didn't want them to be taken in by the false Christs and their followers. "When I come back," He told them, "the whole world will know it. My return will light up the skies, make the sun look dull." If you haven't seen Him return in that way, He isn't back yet. Second, He wanted them to not be afraid. No matter how terrible things became, two things they could count on: He would return with power as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He wins. And if they are called upon to defend their faith, even before kings, His Spirit would give them the exact words He wanted them to share. They didn't need to worry or to be afraid of "messing up" and saying the wrong thing. They didn't need to prepare a speech. God would speak through them. Finally, He told them they needed to endure. One day at a time they needed to be faithful.
So, what does God want me to do as the world around me implodes physically and spiritually? To be fearless. How can I do that? Be on the alert for the false Christs and their henchmen; don't be impressed by their "powers." Rest in the confidence that He wins. Rest in the confidence that when He needs me to speak up in His defense, His Spirit will speak for me--He will be glorified. Keep on being faithful, moment by moment resting in Him and in His promises. And do not be angry or upset or surprised if those you love the most betray you. Keep loving them unconditionally.
The King is coming! Be not afraid.
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