Bible Devotions for Living

Jesus warns us that things in the world will continually get worse the closer we get to the end.

³ While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple complex, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, ⁴ “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to take place?” ⁵ Then Jesus began by telling them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁶ Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and they will deceive many. ⁷ When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed; these things must take place, but the end is not yet. ⁸ For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. ⁹ “But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to sanhedrins, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of Me, as a witness to them. ¹⁰ And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. ¹¹ So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say. On the contrary, whatever is given to you in that hour—say it. For it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. ¹² Then brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and put them to death. ¹³ And you will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered. (Mk 13:3-13. See also Mt 24:3-13)

The Lord warned of more false messiahs, false prophets, wars, famines, racial hatred, natural disasters, false messiahs, false prophets, the persecution of believers, and the betrayal of family members to name a few ways things will continue to get worse. Considering all those problems, Jesus has three pieces of advice for us.

• Watch out that no one deceives you (false prophets or false messiahs) (Mk 13:5; Mt 24:4)
• Do not be alarmed by the events happening (Mk 13:7; Mt 24:6)
• Don’t worry about what to say when being questioned by authorities since the Holy Spirit will speak for you (Mk 13:11)

So as the world gets worse, follow Jesus’ advice. Don’t let false messiahs or prophets deceive you. We’ve already spoken about that in prior discussions, so we won’t touch on them now. Don’t be alarmed at what’s happening in the world. It is not unexpected, not out of God’s control, and true believers will be eternally saved (delivered). It will be okay (Rom 8:28). Lastly, allow the Holy Spirit to speak through you. Don’t try to outwit people with your ‘wisdom’ or clever speech. Don’t think in advance what you might say. Act in childlike faith and believe what Jesus said – the Holy Spirit will speak through you.

During times of persecution, stay focused on God. He has you securely in His hand no matter what happens. You may die physically for Him, but you will not be separated from Him, and you will live with Him forever.

Jesus answered them. “… ²⁷ My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. (Jn 10:25-29)

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. ²⁶ Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever.” (Jn 11:25-26)

Summary

• The world will continue to get worse – there will be false messiahs, false prophets, wars, famines, natural disasters, racial tensions
• Christians will be betrayed by family members, be persecuted, and even killed for their faith
• God warns you in advance and warns you not to be deceived, not to be alarmed, and not to be worried about what to say when arrested for your faith
• Stay focused on God during troubles
• You are securely in His hands through everything that happens
• Even if you die for Him, you will live forever with Him

Think about it

Does living through the problems and persecution of the end-times worry you? What bothers you specifically?

How did Jesus address your concerns?

What assurances from Scripture do you have that things will be okay for you even if you go through severe persecution?

What will happen if you are killed during persecution? Knowing the ultimate outcome, is there any reason for you to be worried or afraid?