And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:4-8, New American Standard Bible).

We live in dark times. Are we approaching the end of the world? Will Christ return soon?

False Christs and antichrists arise from time to time. People claim to be Jesus or God’s chosen person to complete His work. Some say that all people are already gods who just need to discover their innate divinity. This has been happening for centuries, perhaps continually since Jesus’ time on Earth.

We hear of wars and rumors of wars. As 2023 draws to an end, the war between Israel and Gaza has knocked the Russia-Ukraine war out of the headlines. Both of them silence media attention about countless other wars around the world. Again, it really is nothing new.

There are famines, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. All of these soul-wrenching, peace-robbing headlines are merely the beginning of birth pains.

In all of it, Jesus’ instruction to the disciples is simple: “See to it that no one misleads you.” Do not be deceived. How do we avoid deception?

• Endure in the faith. Do not give up (Matthew 24:13).
• Be discerning. Do not listen to voices that try to point you to a “new and improved Jesus.”
• Be alert. He will come when we do not expect it (Matthew 24:42-44).

Jesus is coming at some point. Keep your eyes on Him and prepare for whatever He may do next.

How can you prepare for the Lord’s return?

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.