Signs of Destruction

 

    Things of this world will fade.  Things in this world be broken, destroyed, or will just disappear.  It is all superficial, but it makes us happy.  Jesus' warning is not to keep you from being happy, but it is based on priorities and understanding the ultimate truth.  Nothing in this world will last, but your soul will.  It is what you do while you are alive that matters, no matter how small it may appear to the world.

    One day a great disaster will come.  You can read Revelations to understand what I am talking about better, but one day this disaster will destroy the world.  The very shape of the planet will be altered.  Nothing that was would be.  It is hard to fathom, but it is like when Jesus said if you just have faith you could move mountains.  The difference is that this destruction will be because of the lack of faith.  If you value things over souls, then it will be devasting.

    It will happen in stages, probably over several hundred years.  It will begin with persecution as the church and government separate more and more as the hypocrites and false prophets take over.  Those that follow Jesus will face the type of persecution he faced.  We may have troubles, but we don't face what he faced at least in the United States.  The worst it gets, the stronger our witness becomes.  It will progress like a woman in labor, wave after wave of rebellion and war.  Each getting worse than the last.  Next will be devasting natural disasters, famine, plagues, and gruesome sights everywhere you look.  Most, if not all, Christians will be dead by this point.

    We have been ordered not to worry.  Worry displays a lack of faith.  I think it may be an ingrained part of human nature that we have to fight.  It is not easy, but I do believe that it can be overcome.  God gives you what you need.  This includes words and wisdom to defend yourself.  Remember the gift it is to have the Holy Spirit live within you and that should quench worry and anxiety.  There is no point in worrying about things that are promised to come.  It is better to prepare.

    Betrayal is a part of life.  No one is exempt from it and no one seems to be unscathed by it.  Near the end, family will betray each other.  It will be a world where everyone is out for themselves.  When you are betrayed you can allow it to define your or you can overcome it.  Jesus was betrayed and he still loved Judas, but the betrayal cursed Judas.  Love those that betray you and they will bury themselves.  They don't need your help with revenge.  Revenge only will bury you along with them.

    Stand firm, so that you can live a full life.  If you start running, then you will probably never stop.  Face conflict, abusers, and evil.  The time for punishment will come.  That is not your job, but honoring God as you face it is your job.  We are called to endure until we get to Heaven.  The final redemption is near.

    The end of the world is a woeful time for mothers.  It is a time when no one will be at peace.  The heavenly bodies will be shaken, but Jesus will return to make all things right.  Right is not always nice.  When he returns it will to be as the glorious destroyer.  He will come in a cloud of power and show it in full force unlike the first time when he held back for our good.  When he changes the world's surface it will include the oceans and the skies (space).  Even the seasons will be transformed.  Everything will pass away, but His Word will live on.  God's Word will never be destroyed.

    Redemption is near according to the signs.  Everyday we are closer to redemption or destruction.  Be careful not to allow your heart to be weighed down by the evil and dissipation.  Prayer is the strongest defense you have.  Don't look for escapes.  It only leaves you vulnerable.  Look to strengthen yourself in God's Word and prayer.  Use the complete armor of God to keep from becoming hard and to stay alert.  

Luke 21