-February 25, 2022-
Good morning, happy Friday,
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
(Matthew 24:6-8).
Jesus speaks to His disciples about the end times. Today’s text reminds us of what is going on in Ukraine. We are watching a war right before our eyes. First, there was a rumor of war, now it is a full blown war between Russia and Ukraine. The war in Vietnam was the first war that was shown daily on TV. This current war is the same way. We are seeing events that will lead up to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All these signs that Jesus speaks of have been happening, and they have been increasing in frequency. There have been famines in certain countries where starvation is prevalent; pestilences, such as Covid-19 and other plagues; and earthquakes all over the world. The prophecies are being fulfilled right in front of us. These are the beginnings of sorrows. Only the Father knows the day and the hour of Jesus’ coming.
Jesus warned us, “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). We as believers should be living holy lives and serving our Lord. Peter wrote in speaking of the last days, “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11)?
John also made it clear how best to prepare for the Lord’s coming. 1 John 2:28 says, “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” It is so important to be right with God, living fully for Him, and serving Him. We want to be found faithful when He comes. It is time to return to the Lord. Repentance always precedes revival. So instead of being troubled by today’s current events, let us rejoice in the Lord’s soon coming and point people to Jesus.
Have a blessed day living holy, godly lives that please the Lord. Let us pray for the situation in Ukraine. Stay safe and healthy.
In His will,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 