Tag: birth pains
Signs of the ‘end’!
Scripture reading for May 9th: Matthew 24, Psalm 92, Proverbs 30
Matthew 24: 6-14 “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See to it 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 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.”
As His disciples were marveling at the temple, Jesus told them not one stone would be left upon another. This prompted questions from them. When would this happen? What would be the sign of His coming and the end of the age? Jesus gave them a warning to be wary of deception and then spoke to them plainly about various signs of the end that are really just the beginning of the end–‘birth pains.’ Disciples are to be aware of these pains that are coming, but not fearful of them. Their focus must remain on being steadfast and true to Jesus and the sharing of the Gospel to the ends of the earth!
Psalm 92: 4-5 “For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your work; at the works of Your hands I sing for joy. How great are Your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!”
Prayer: Father God, Your thoughts and plans are very deep! I am in awe of Your amazing works to bring salvation to all nations and peoples. Open my eyes each day to those You desire to reach. Protect me from deception from those who are deceived, falling away or cold in their love for You. I want to be faithful to Jesus Christ and proclaim His Gospel to all nations, hastening His return for us! Amen!
Proverbs 30:12 “There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth.”