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

Sunday, September 18, 2016

"You will hear about wars that are being fought. And you will hear stories about other wars beginning. But don't be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes."
— Mark 13:7 NLT
Illustration of Mark 13:7 NLT — "You will hear about wars that are being fought. And you will hear stories about other wars beginning. But don't be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes."

Key Thought

When war occurs, people panic. That has always been true and it was certainly true in Jesus' day. However, just because numerous wars are 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

  • James 4:1-4
  • Revelation 17:14
  • Psalm 91:1-8

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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