What Happens Next?

What happens in the end? Sometimes, I want to fast-forward to the end of the story to see how things turn out. So did the disciples. What about you?

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Jesus shared with them some of the things we can anticipate as the end times approach.

Here’s what he said

Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Matthew 24:1-14 (ESV)

Jesus shared some signs of the end times for his disciples. He told them that he did not know when it would happen but he could give them some signs. These signs are of two types: general signs and signs specific to disciples. Here they are.

Sign of the End Times – General

Messianic claims. Many such claims have arisen over the years and will continue to rise. Many of them exist around the world and many have ended tragically like Jim Jones and his followers. While not explicitly stated, we also see the rise of the culture of consumerism and materialism.

Wars. Wars have always raged. Uncontrolled selfishness will always lead to conflict. Factionalism and fierce loyalties will increase and armed conflict become more prevalent.

Famines. There is widespread famine, despite the fact that there is plenty of food produced. About 1 billion people are hungry and over 16,000 die every day from hunger! And that will only get worse. We know there are many causes for famine, such as poverty, poor agricultural practices and climate.

Earthquakes in various places. Earthquakes are widespread and bound to increase in the days leading up to the end.

Signs of the End Times for Disciples of Jesus

Persecution and death. We shouldn’t be surprised that it is happening here and around the world. Christians are dying every day for their faith.

Hatred. We see so many signs of this even in our ‘tolerant’ society. Popular media negatively portrays followers of Jesus. Many commentators and editorials are openly hostile to people of faith.

False prophets – deceivers. The time is ripe for this to happen because biblical illiteracy in the church at an all time high! Many welcome worldly philosophy mixed with ‘religious’ phrases. The sentiment that ‘at least they’re going to church’ is potentially dangerous!

Love growing cold. The increase of wickedness puts out the Spirit’s fire in many disciples. It becomes harder to remain white hot when we are bombarded with messages contrary to the gospel. One study says that we process more information in a week than we did in a lifetime just 100 years ago! It is those who stand firm who will finally be saved.

Gospel will be preached in the whole world. There are still more than 2 billion people who have not heard the gospel. There is much work still to do and when the gospel is preached, a great harvest will come in.

Takeaway

What should we do?

Spread the Gospel. Tell your neighbors, coworkers and classmates. Go on a mission trip and give to missions.

Stand firm. Consume the word of God. Read and study the Bible for transformation. As you read, pray: “God speak to me through your word – and change me.”

Continual prayer is essential to stand firm. Make sure you have your quiet time – one on one with Jesus every single day. Throughout the day stay in conversation with Jesus and when you can, gather with others to have time around God’s throne.

Holy conversation. Spend time talking about what God has done. Make sure you are glorifying God with your words and conversation.

Ask God to fire your passions for him and his kingdom.

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