Words of Jesus Warn Us to Stay Alert in this World - Crosswalk the Devotional - September 12
Words of Jesus Warn Us to Stay Alert in this World
By Debbie McDaniel
Reading through Mark chapter 13 again late last night, have read it over and over this past year, and it's seeming more real now. In it, Jesus reminds us that when we see certain signs that indicate we are in, or are entering into the end times, we don't have to be alarmed.
Because He's told us ahead of time what to expect, we know from His Word, "such things must happen, but the end is still to come." Mark 13:7
He reminds us that we will know these are prophetic words coming to pass when we hear of "wars and rumors of wars," when we see certain events unfolding, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains." Mark 13:7-8
And also, in this one chapter where Jesus is telling us of all that's to come, signs of the end times, He says this over and over, 7 different times throughout these verses...
He warns us to stay aware.
His words are true are they are for now, right now, in this day and time, and throughout all future days until he comes again. May we be faithful, wise to listen, and may He help us to apply them to life:
- "Watch out that no one deceives you..." v. 5
- "You must be on your guard..." v. 9
- "So be on your guard, I have told you everything ahead of time." v. 23
- "Be on guard!" v. 33
- "Be alert!" v. 33
- "Therefore, keep watch..." v. 35
- "If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!" v. 36
As believers, we have hope in Christ, we know beyond a doubt He is at work in this world and He will come again.
Let's keep working while it is still day...
Praying for His mercy through the storms and floods, through the earthquakes, through the fires, may God draw many to Himself in these days. And may we be found living as light in a world that needs His great peace.
Intersecting Faith & Life: Many around us may be feeling worried and fearful in these days. Choose to trust and believe that God is working in our world, even behind the scenes where we can’t fully see. Ask Him for His Presence of peace to fill your life today, ask for His help in staying aware and alert. Pray that God will help us all, as believers, to be a light to others who need His hope in dark times.
Further Reading:
Mark 13
Matthew 24
John 14:2-7
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
The Rapture: What Is It and When Will It Happen?
Talbot New Testament scholar Dr. Alan Hultberg joins Sean McDowell to sort out what Scripture says, walk through the three major views, and ask the question everyone wants answered: are we close? Hultberg starts by clearing away the "Left Behind" imagery most of us absorbed from movies and kids' Bible storybooks, then lays out the three positions evangelicals actually debate, explaining what separates them, how each handles the tribulation, Israel, and the timing of Christ's return.
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