In my lifetime, I have survived the world ending several times. Well, not the world actually ending but at least someone’s prediction. Harold Camping published a book titled 1994 and predicted the world would end somewhere in that year, and it didn’t happen. He then changed his prediction to 2011, and once again, the world went on. I also survived the 2012 Maya Apocalypse. Oh, I forgot to mention that I survived the end of the world that Pat Robertson predicted would happen in 1982 and then his second failed prediction of 2007. Then I survived Jerry Falwell’s and Tim LaHaye’s predictions among others about the year 2000. I’m sure by now you have gotten my sarcasm (at least I hope you have). Many people have tried to undertake a prediction of the end of times with some unfortunately claiming revelation from God.
Matthew 24 is a passage that deals with the end of times. Some have even taken aspects of what Jesus said here and used them to predict the end or to even point to specific events and things that have already happened saying they have pointed to the end soon to come. I really wish I could tell you today when the end specifically was coming. But I can’t. One thing I can tell you for sure is that anytime you hear someone give a specific date, you should consider them a false prophet. What? Because Jesus said no one but the Father knows when they day will come (vs 36). Although I cannot explain to you in exact detail what everything in these first verses of Matthew 24 mean. There are a few things we can know. First, things will be difficult. God never promised an easy life for believers. Second, there is an end coming some day. But more importantly, there are a couple great promises in verses 13-14.
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.
Matthew 24:13-14
Those who endure to the end will be saved, and the gospel will be proclaimed to the whole world before the end. I hear these promises, and I am reminded to not give up. Even when it is tough, you press on as a believer. Turning your back on God is always a losing proposition. Continuing to believe always ends in a win. Also, sharing the gospel must always be a priority. We ultimately know that the Lord’s return is the only thing that will make everything right. Therefore, the best thing we can do is help share Jesus with the world so that the Lord will come.
VC Devotionals 