June 3, 2014

“...Rise Against…”

Blessings Folk!

When will these things happen?
What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?

These were the disciples questions.

Jesus began His answer...an extended answer...with two declarations of responsibility.

1. See to it that no one misleads you.
2. See to it that you are not frightened.

We must know the Truth of the Lord so as to not be mislead.
We must not be frightened.

Abiding in the Lord will protect from fear.

What did Jesus reference as the source of fear?

Matthew 24:6
6 You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

Wars and rumors of wars.
They have always been.
They will increase.
But, they are not the end.

Matthew 24:7-8
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
8 But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

Nations against nations.
Kingdoms against kingdoms.

The word translated “nations” is “ethnos”.
It speaks of people groups, tribes.

The word translated “kingdoms” is “basileia”.
It speaks of kingships, dominions, the right and authority to rule a kingdom.

There will be increase between strife is what we call “races”.
There will be increase in conflict between nations.
There will be increase in famines.
There will be increase in earthquakes.

Yet, all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
Just the beginning.

What is being birthed?
We will let that answer simmer awhile…

For today, be not surprised as all these things occur.
The Lord...as He will say later in the passage...has told us beforehand.

Fear not.
Be prepared.