Scripture
Matthew 24:10-12
10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
Observation
Jesus says that in the end times a few specific things will happen, which will be signs and confirmations of what is about to take place. One of the primary signs is that those who profess to follow Christ will turn on each other and hate one another. It’s not just a matter of them turning generically away from God: Jesus says that ‘their LOVE will grow cold’, because of an increase in lawlessness.
Application
This sounds so much like the world today! Lawlessness abounds, at every level. And the reaction to lawlessness, has been an increase in hate and betrayal. Those who claim to serve the same King, are at each other’s throats! What’s the solution?
Jesus says that those ‘who endure to the end will be saved.’ Those who ‘endure’ to the end: not those who ‘fight’ to the end. The result is that the Gospel of Christ will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all nations.
When I’m frustrated or anxious, it’s easy to take out my discomfort on those around me. The person I’m interacting with isn’t the problem…they’ve just gotten caught in my crosshairs! How can I not fall prey to the destructive behavior that Jesus describes? By enduring. By proclaiming the gospel. By choosing to love, even when I can’t agree. By pointing back to that which is eternal and perfect, instead of focusing on that which is temporary and flawed.
Today I choose to value the family of God, instead of participating in division. I choose to speak the truth of the gospel, instead of speaking the frustration with which the enemy would try to fill me. I choose to value God’s law, instead of making excuses because of the lawlessness around me.
Prayer
God, this world feels pretty lawless right now! Those who should be upholding righteousness instead seem to be perpetuating more chaos. And it’s easy for me to make excuses about the way that I treat people! Help me instead to love as you love: Not with compromise of truth, nor by moving the goalposts for convenience or to avoid conflict. Rather–with an unapologetic stand on the truth of your Gospel which welcomes sinners to repentance. Don’t let my love grow cold!
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