Be Prepared
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 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.” (Matthew 24:9-14)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33)“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
(John 14:27)
-Warren Wiersb
Our Lord here warns of a coming general apostasy and obvious decay of religion as well as a foretelling of promised persecution.
Jesus said in Luke:
“All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.” (Luke 21:17-19)
We are reminded in our verses for today that the Gospel will be preached to all nations before the end will come. It is a Gospel that will reveal the kingdom of grace which leads to the kingdom of glory.
Take It to Heart
“Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” (Thomas V. Moore)
“Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger … these are nothing when compared with the glory that will be revealed in, and for us.” (David Livingstone)