Wars and Rumors of Wars

As you know, Jesus was a Master storyteller when He walked this earth. He always spoke to the people using stories and parables (Matthew 13:34), as was featured in last month’s blog post. There were times, however, when Jesus spoke to His disciples on the specifics of coming events, as He did in the book of Matthew:

“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.” Matthew 24:6-13 ESV

Jesus Knew

Jesus knew these events would be coming long before you or I were born. For those who follow Jesus, we need not be afraid or anxious about the future, as He knew these times would come upon us. He has it providentially already worked out in advance with His good, sovereign will and plan for our lives and His eternal Kingdom. His Spirit lives in us and gives us strength to endure and persevere through challenging times. We also know from history and past intense periods of persecution that His church, His body of believers, grows the most during difficult times of persecution and suffering. The current news is that the underground body of believers in Iran is the fastest-growing church in the world!
Jesus also told us in John:

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

As we follow our Lord, Jesus, He gives us His peace. We need to trust and obey Him. We will face trials, troubles, sorrows, and tribulations. Jesus has already overcome them. Let’s believe it in our hearts and live this out in times of wars and rumors of wars.

The Lord has so many Stories for us to learn from. So, what Story from the Word of God are you engaging in right now?

The Lord has much to teach us through His living Word and the Stories He designed and created from before the beginning of time to advance HIS Kingdom on earth now. Are you ready to engage His Word through Story?
Please share in the comments as the Lord leads you.

Wars and Rumors of Wars – Jesus Knew