Watchman: Daily Devotional, Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 Contain Jesus’ Teaching on the Last Days. The Disciples Asked for Information About Two Separate Events. They Asked When the Buildings of Jerusalem Would Be Torn Down. They Also Lumped in a Request for Information About the End of the Age
Daily Devotional:
Matthew 24:12-14 (NIV) 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 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.
In Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, Jesus teaches about the end times. The disciples inquired about two distinct occurrences. They inquired as to when the Jerusalem structures will be demolished. In addition, they included a plea for information concerning the end of the world. They believed the two occurrences would occur simultaneously. Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D., yet the end of the age has not yet arrived. Although many prophesies speak to both the first and second comings of Christ, Jesus' response contains a remarkable overlap that applies to both periods.
Be wary of false prophets and false messiahs is one of the most explicit warnings. Even by presenting miraculous signs, he said, they would be able to fool others. He predicted that battles, famines, and earthquakes will continue to occur throughout this age. Then, he provides a few details that indicate the arrival of the final generation. There will be a significant surge in depravity. Some verses refer to this as apostasy or defection. Many will allow their agape love to become indifferent. Only Christians genuinely demonstrate agape love. The kingdom will be proclaimed over the entire planet. The abomination that produces desolation described by Daniel will be installed in the Temple. I assume this indicates the Jerusalem Temple must be reconstructed first. These are the indications given to us by the Lord. He preached that this would be the beginning of an unprecedented period of affliction.
Throughout the years since Jesus' ascension, the church has frequently believed that Christ's return was imminent, but the indications had not yet been fulfilled. We need not be concerned about the end of the world until these indications manifest, but we must always live in such a way that we are prepared to leave this life and enter eternity. Jesus' prophecy regarding the destruction of Jerusalem came true. This age of preaching the gospel to humanity will come to an end. The time of the Gentiles is coming to a close.
Consider that our time on earth is for preparing for the next age. Are you preparing yourself?
Source: WaySideBible
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