With many media outlets today, all of us have a heightened awareness of natural disasters striking across the globe. It causes anxiety, uncertainty and grief, especially for people directly affected. Scripture predicts natural disasters on earth and signs in the heavens before Christ’s Second Coming. How should you live in the last days?
While the rich put in gifts out of their surplus, a poor widow gave out of her poverty, all she had to live on (Lk. 21:1-4). Sacrificial giving supports others during the last days.
In the future, every stone will be torn down in the temple. When many come in Christ’s name, don’t go after them. Don’t be terrified of wars and disturbances because the end will come later (Lk. 21:5-9). Discernment and calmness prevent deception by false teachers.
Nation will rise against nation along with great earthquakes, plagues, famines and great signs from heaven. Before these things, persecution will deliver you to synagogues and prisons and bring you before kings as an opportunity for your testimony. Christ will give you the words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to refute. Family members will hate and put some of you to death but not a hair of your head will perish. By endurance, you will gain your lives (Lk. 21:10-19). Share your testimony of Christ as a witness during times of persecution in the last days.
When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize her desolation is at hand. These are days of vengeance, great distress and wrath to fulfill what was written. They will be killed, led captive into all the nations and trampled underfoot by the Gentiles (Lk. 21:20-24). Wrath and judgment prepare God’s people as predicted by Scripture before Christ’s Second Coming.
Signs in the heavens and on earth will dismay nations. Men faint from fear for the powers of the heavens will be shaken until they “see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” When these things take place, pay attention because your redemption is near (Lk. 21:25-28). Total deliverance from sin occurs at Christ’s Second Coming.
These signs are like seeing the leaves of fig trees, showing fruit coming on, and knowing the kingdom of God is near. Heaven and earth will pass away but God’s word will not pass away (Lk. 21:29-33). Watch for the signs and rely on God’s word in the last days.
Be alert at all times so you aren’t weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and worries of life so final day doesn’t come on you suddenly like a trap. Pray so you have strength to escape all things that will take place and stand before the Son of Man (Lk. 21:34-36). Pray for everything so you have strength to stand before Christ.
Jesus taught in the temple during the day and spent nights on the Mount of Olives. Everyone got up early to listen to Him in the temple (Lk. 21:37-38). Pray with endurance and prioritize listening attentively to God’s word.
The following list explains how you should live in the last days:
1. Give sacrificially to support others
2. Discern false teachers and remain calm
3. Share your testimony of Christ during persecution
4. Endure God’s judgment as preparation for Christ’s Second Coming
5. Wait for total deliverance of sin at Christ’s Second Coming
6. Watch for the signs and rely on God’s word in the last days
7. Pray for everything so you have strength to stand before Christ
8. Pray with endurance and prioritize listening attentively to God’s word
