Good morning! Have you ever had someone come up to you with a serious face and say, “I need to tell you something”? How did you feel? Did you panic immediately or did you remain calm? Were you anxious because they were taking too long to get to the point? Well today, we are reading one of Jesus’ responses to the disciples’ questions – they are waiting for a response. Enjoy today’s devotion and your day.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 24:4-8 NLT
“⁴ Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, ⁵ for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. ⁶ And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. ⁷ Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. ⁸ But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”

REFLECTION
Today’s verses required me to dig deeper into research on the above verses. Some of the Bible commentaries share similar views on these verses. However, the Bible Knowledge Commentary provides more of a parallel comparison of the scriptures above with the book of Revelations. Let me share some insight that I read:

• False Christ (v.4-5) and in Revelation 6:1-2, the first seal is Antichrist.

• Wars and rumors of wars (v.6) and in Revelation 6:3-4, the second seal is warfare when nations will rise up against each other (v.7).

• Famines (v.7) and in Revelation 6:5-6, the third seal is famine, and the fourth and fifth seal are death and martyrdom (Revelation 6:7-11).

• Earthquakes (v.7), the sixth seal is an earthquake.

As I read the list above, I went back to the scriptures verses we read and right in Matthew 24 verse 6b, Jesus says, “but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.”

Sisters and brothers, Jesus didn’t share these things to frighten us, but to prepare us for what is to come. Remember, He was responding to the disciples two questions:

• When will all this happen? v.3

• What sign will signal your return and the end of the world? v.3

Join me tomorrow and the days ahead as we continue our review of Matthew chapters 24 – 25.

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for all that you do for us and have done for us. Lord, we don’t know what today will bring, but we know if today is our last day here that we want to be found in you. So Father God, thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. Lord, thank you for Jesus’ death and ressurection. Lord, forgive us of our sins and help us not to return to those sins anymore. Lord, we look forward to the day that we will see you face to face. However, until then remind us of your promises. Strengthen our faith and transform our relationship with you to be greater than we ever expected. Lord, we want to live abundantly in you. Lord, help us to feel your presence in our lives on a daily basis. Lord, be with our family members who don’t know you or who have turned away from your truth. Lord, soften their hearts and open their eyes to see and experience your love for them. Lord, you are Love. Lord, help us to demonstrate your love in this fallen world. Start with us today. Keep changing us to be more like you. In Jesus name, amen.

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