What Jesus Did! 'Wars, Earthquakes, and Famines' — Mark 13:8

Monday, September 19, 2016

"Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat. And there will be earthquakes in different places. These things are like the first pains when something new is born."
— Mark 13:8 NLT
Illustration of Mark 13:8 NLT — "Nations will fight against other nations."

Key Thought

The sad reality of our fallen world and our sinful state is that our world will always be full of war and human strife as well as natural disasters and the human suffering that accompanies them. We must endure these difficult struggles as part of our human lives in a temporal world. However, when Jesus does return in glory, we will be blessed and our fallen world will be redeemed. Glory awaits beyond the gloom of suffering, brutality, and disaster.

Today's Prayer

O Father, please keep hope alive in those whose lives are overwhelmed with suffering and fear. Help me see beyond the gloom of my own challenges and problems to realize that these are part of a world that is passing away. Help me hold on in faith, trusting that the dawn is coming and that your glory awaits all those who love your Son and look expectantly for his coming! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 8:15-25
  • Revelation 21:1
  • 1 Peter 5:3-10

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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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