WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS
Kimberly Lawrence
Today’s Scripture: “And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed.” Mark 13:7a, ESV
Theme: When you hear of wars and conflicts, especially in the Middle East, do not overreact. Do not focus on interpreting prophecy.
FEAR
In times of extreme chaos and devastation, the uncertainty causes fear. We now have 24-hour access to watch global events unfold as war plagues our brothers and sisters around the world. Seeing this hardship and suffering can be overwhelming and leave us feeling helpless. We live in a broken world, and that can feel hopeless. Fear: It can paralyze and consume us if we’re not careful.
It can be tempting to search for proof that these are the end of days. After all, if we read the last days described in 2 Timothy, it’s easy to be convinced we are living in the end times. People will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, treacherous…and the list goes on! But be careful because although Matthew 26:4 speaks of wars and rumors of wars, verse 36 also says that no one knows the day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. So, study the signs, but do not begin making predictions.
FAITH
Throughout scripture, we are called to faith, not fear. That can be challenging when all we see is evidence of suffering because of sin, against both God and man. So, what’s a Christian to do amid fear and tribulation? Let’s go to the Bible and find out. Isaiah 35:4 (NIV) tells us to “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear!’” This is far different than standing on the street corner, trying to scare people into heaven by predicting the apocalypse. We are to be bold but gentle: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT).
PEACE
Jesus Himself promised to be with us to the end of the age. So, whether that is this year or two millennials away, we can be confident in His presence. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV). We can live without fear, without worry, because we know the Prince of Peace. He IS our Peace!
Make It Personal: We have placed our hope in a risen Savior. Though we may not understand the tragedies of this life, as Christians, we are called to promote faith, love, hope, not fear. Are you spreading hope or are you fearmongering? Are you obsessed with the Middle East conflict right now? If so, take a break from the news, from scouring the book of Revelation, and from creating your own checklist and timeline for the Second Coming of Christ. Instead, pray for peace and that all people might have the opportunity to choose Jesus. Prepare your heart and live as though Jesus might return any day, because He could! Our checklists of what must happen before He comes again could be flawed or the signs be misconstrued. Live each day to glorify God and trust that He will carry you through until the end. Trust in the Word and fight the battle on your knees. Pray with me this week.
Prayer: God, people are hurting, and this is a frightening time around our world. We come to You for peace and relief for those that are suffering. Help me not to be consumed by fear and instead find peace in Your promises. When I’m tempted to wallow in worry, let me turn my attention to You in earnest prayer. Help me not to create timelines and checklists but prepare my own heart for the end of my days. Amen.
Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 John 4:18; Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:18-27; Acts 1:7-11; Matthew 24:30-31, 25:13
Weekly Memory Verse: “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” Ephesians 2:14-16, NIV