“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. — Matthew 24:4-14
Jesus’ primary concern when it comes to the end times is not that we know all about the rapture, not that we know all about the details of biblical prophecy, or that we are living perfect lives when he comes again. His main concern is that we not be deceived or fall away. In other words, the number one concern Jesus has about the end times is that we endure to the end.
So don’t let yourself get distracted by all the little details of interpretation, the order of the end times events, and all that. Allow yourself to focus on what Jesus wants you to—whatever happens, stay faithful.
Here’s the main question for you according to Jesus’ own words. Is there any person, any miracle, any theoretical claim, any hardship, or any length of time that will either lead me astray or cause my love to grow cold? What am I ready to face?
BIG IDEA OF THE DAY: How can I train myself today so that enduring hardship, deception, and delay will be easier tomorrow?
