What Jesus Did! 'The End Is Not Near' — Mark 13:7

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

[Jesus continued,] "And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately."

Key Thought

When war occurs, people panic. That has always been true, and it was certainly true in Jesus' day. However, even numerous wars occurring simultaneously does not signal that the end of the world is near. These things will happen in our world throughout our fallen history. Unfortunately war is a very prevalent problem with the human condition. As sad and horrific as war is, we must know that it is not the cause or determinant of the end of the world.

Today's Prayer

O Father, I confess that I am upset that people are killed, maimed, destroyed, and separated from each other by wars and the destruction they cause. I want to stop these problems, but I know I cannot. Help me not become overly distraught at what I cannot change, and help me trust you to be at work in our world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 13:7 NLT — [Jesus continued,] "And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately."

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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.