[Jesus] replied, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and saying, 'The time has come!' But don't believe them. 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." Then he added, "Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 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."
— Luke 21:8-11 NLT
Key Thought
In his messages about standing firm in the troubles of life, Jesus now shifts from the destruction of the Temple to warnings about those falsely claiming to be the returned Messiah. Misunderstanding the details and timing about Jesus' return has continued to be a problem for many people. Many have been misled by signs they think they see in our world. Jesus, however, warns that many things will happen before his return — wars, rebellions, earthquakes, famines, epidemics, and heavenly signs, but he says that none of these things are necessarily signs of his return. The key thing in each of these events is not to panic. God is in control, and he will have Jesus come at the proper time. We just need to be prepared.
Today's Prayer
Father, with so many disturbing things going on in our world today, please still the struggles in my spirit and allow me to remain calm and faithful during troubling times. I know that I belong to you, and I also know that when Jesus returns, I will go to be with you — no matter when that time may come. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10
- 2 Peter 3:10
- Revelation 16:15
Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, November 25, 2023
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About This Devotional
What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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