“‘Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’[b] and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. 9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.’ 10 Then he added, ‘Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.’” v. 8-11
I remember as a kid thinking the world was going to end soon. War was happening, and people were claiming to be able to tell when the world would end. (in the 80’s this was big news not so much today) But it is a reality. Jesus says He is coming back but hasn’t told us when. He has said that there will be signs of His Return, but no-one knows the exact time except for God.
It’s easy to think maybe even the things that have happened in the last couple of years with our weather and wars could be a sign and now with the world trade and financial disaster this could be heightened. But Jesus says one thing in verse 13,
“But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.”[c]
In these moments, Jesus will use us to tell others about Him. It doesn’t mean we have to know when it will happen, it simply means we have to be prepared ourselves to be used by Him. In this moment, He will give us the strength and words we need. So, instead of worrying when, where, how, it could happen, (it could be persecution, opportunities, or Jesus return) simply be prepared at any minute for it to happen.
Dan Gould 