Continuing our discussion from yesterday, many of the signs we see are just the beginning. Many destructive events will take place. As unfortunate as it is, many people will die because of human greed, selfishness, and pride.
We are not to be deceived by those who cry wolf nor those who claim to be speaking on behalf of God, but not speaking truth. There will people who make false claims. Unfortunately, there will be people who fall prey to them, believing those claims are true.
Jesus clearly states these destructive events are the beginning of birth pains. He lists wars, rumors of wars, nation against nation, famines, and earthquakes. True, we have seen them all. True, they are still happening. And true, they are the beginning. But the beginning is still the beginning.
Is the end of time imminent? Yes. Yet despite the claims of false teachers, no one knows when that will happen. Should we be prepared at all times? Yes. Our own end may come at any time. We may be taken from this world and meet God face-to-face at any moment. But that does not mean the end of time for this world has come.
Some may even think it is gruesome or morbid to think of our life coming to an end. It is neither. It is reality. It is moving into the next phase of life. It is either going to be with God in heaven or going to hades to await the final judgment. It is a reality we don’t want to contemplate. It is one we will all deal with, whether we procrastinate until it is too late or not.
I pray we all contemplate our lives and our decisions. I pray we understand the reality of our situation. I pray each one of us seeks the truth and refuse to listen to false claims. Read God’s Word. Hear Jesus speak truth. Refuse false teachers. Be prepared. Make the right decision.
Matthew 24:4-8 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
Marty Pressey 