ESOCS Devotional 22 October 2022
TEXT: MARK 13:1-13
MEMORY VERSE: “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.” Mark 13:1-13
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In this prophecy, Jesus speaks of the imminent destruction of Jerusalem and ultimately the end of age and gave signs concerning its fulfillment. As regards the end of age, no one knows just when the events He spoke of will happen, so we are to be on our guard and attend to our duties as Christians as we expect the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ
He tells of the terrible events that the world will experience as His Second Coming draws near. False christs will come in various ways, disguising themselves and performing signs and wonders to lead Christians astray. The world will not be at peace for there will be wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines and different types of troubles. These are the initial phase of the events of the end of age.
Then Christians will suffer much for they shall be greatly persecuted. They shall be beaten, dragged before judges for the sake of Christ. They are not to worry about what to say in defense, for the Holy Spirit will give them utterance. They are not to be discouraged but persevere in the work of the gospel, for the gospel must first be preached among all nations.
People are going to sell their conscience and be ready to do anything to survive; with brother delivering brother to death. Fathers will betray their children and children their parents; each handing the other to death. It will be a terrible time and Christians shall be greatly hated. Jesus warns His disciples to take heed. Christians are to be on the alert for things will creep into the practice of the Christian faith that will aim at sapping the vitality in their faith and make them fall away. Christians should be strong in faith and endure all things for the kingdom. They should keep their lamps oiled and trimmed. Jesus promises that those who will endure to the end shall be saved. Then on that glorious and terrible day, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give light and the heavens shall be shaken. Then our Lord Jesus will come in the clouds in the company of His angels with great throng, and great shouts, and with power and glory; and will gather His elects from the four corners of the world to reign with Him eternally.
CHALLENGES
- How prepared are you for the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ?
- What will you be ready to give up for the kingdom and what can’t you give up?
PRAYERS
- Lord, give us the grace and the strength to stand firm and remain faithful to you, no matter the situation. At the end, may we be counted worthy to enter into your kingdom. Amen.
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ESOCS Devotional 22 October 2022
