Matthew 24:1-14

Be Still: For these precious moments, Lord, focus my heart and mind on you and your Word. Amen

Read: Matthew 24:1-14

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (v14)

Encounter: This week you and I face quite a challenge. Outside of the apocalyptic vision that is the Book of Revelation, Matthew chapters 24 and 25 (along with Mark 13 and Luke 21) are some of the most difficult Bible passages to read and understand. Let's be brave and read on!

And bravery is needed to live through the times Jesus is describing, both then and now.

Jesus prophesies both about the destruction of the Temple with the fall of Jerusalem (A.D. 70) and the End Times before his Second Coming (date only God knows!) The two events are intertwined in a way that even great scholars have difficulty untangling. So you and I don't have much chance!

What is clear is both involve terrible times: wars, rumour of wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, false prophets, hatred, betrayal, love grown cold, increase of wickedness......

Aaaah! That's a terrifying picture. Yet in the middle of these dire predictions, Jesus says:

'but see to it that you are not alarmed'

Lord, we ask, how can we possibly not be alarmed with all this going on? Jesus tells us we need to recognise that though these events are horrible, they are (and he chooses the image so carefully) 'birth pains.' Women who have experienced those know they can be acute, but have also experienced the glorious, overwhelming life-transforming joy at the new life that follows.

The period of suffering that Jesus grieves his children must endure, is a drop in the ocean of eternal life. Those who 'hold on', he says 'will be saved.'

And through all the turmoil, God's eternal plan continues to unfold until the Good News of Jesus has been preached to the whole word. 'Then the end will come.'

Apply: As you look around at what's happening in the world, are you afraid? 'Hold tight' to Jesus. God is greater than it all. We'll see his plan unfold. We'll keep sharing the Good News!

Devote: Holy Spirit, may my church and my witness be part of your unfolding plan to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth.