Wars and rumors of War
Jesus foretells The End of Days:
Jesus teaches:
“And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic.
Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.
Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines
and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and
Great miraculous signs from heaven.”
Luke 21:9-11
“The end is near!” is something I have heard countless times already in my short time—relatively speaking—on this earth. As you know it has started again with vigor since the current conflict in the Middle East has begun.
Nostradamus began his vague predictions way back in the 16th century. Several Popes predicted it even earlier.
The Mayan Calendar, Y2K, Halley’s Comet, even Columbus—among thousands of others—have predicted the end of days.
It is thought that the early Christians themselves believed it was imminent, 2000 years ago.
The Disciples, in the midst of Jesus teaching during Holy Week, were looking for an answer too. Jesus answered them with the verse cited above.
It’s probably not the answer they wanted.
Have you ever looked for an answer to that question?
We are best served looking at Jesus’ teaching in other places in The Gospels. His words will give comfort and satisfaction.
In the Sermon on the Mount we are told “don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matt 6:34). And “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matt 6:27).
Beware, and don’t become bogged down with thoughts of how things will end. Look first to today. How you can live your life in fulfillment of Jesus’ other teachings.
Love your God above all else. Love your neighbor. Perform acts of kindness, mercy, and forgiveness as Jesus taught. And listen to Him when He says:
“Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before The Son of Man.”
Luke 21:36
Pray:
Dear heavenly Father give me the strength to overcome my fears of the unknown, keep me vigilant on the path Jesus taught. Comfort me with the promise of your saving grace brought about by the death and resurrection of your Son, my loving Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray.
Amen