Matthew 24:1-31 | What Do I Do In The Midst of This Prophesied Chaos?

When we approach the prophetic teachings of Christ in Matthew 24, we usually put on our "how-do-I-interpret-this-end-time-prophecy?" lens. Our focus becomes more about trying to interpret His words to see when these things will happen because we are all interested to know when Christ will come again.

But we should remember this: the prophetic passages are not primarily about PREDICTION, but BEHAVIOR. God is not merely telling us what to look for, but how we should live in light of His soon-coming.

Christ’s words describe "wars and rumors of war," "famines and earthquakes," and persecution of Christians and false prophets who arise and mislead people. In these days, even well-meaning, professing Christians will "fall away" and "most people's love will grow cold."

Surely all of these things will happen increasingly as the end draws near, but Peter and Paul could look around them and see those things happening in their day. In fact, this has all been happening for the last 2,000 years and will continue to happen.

But notice the most important instruction of this passage.

Do not be misled and deceived (vs. 4, 11)
Do not be frightened (vs. 6)
Endure (vs. 13)
Preach the gospel to the whole world! (vs. 14)

If we are not careful, we can get so focused on the chaos and darkness around us that we become worried, frightened, and discouraged. But Jesus is telling us about the world we will live in to prepare us to live faithfully and fruitfully, right up to the end.

"This is going to happen," Jesus says, "It's part of the last age. Don't be misled by false prophets or frightened by the circumstances around you. Don't be overwhelmed by persecution. These are the final death throes of a dying world. But here is what you must DO. Here is how you are to live. And most importantly, you must continue faithfully to share the gospel with the whole world. For when that is done, I will come again."

Lord, help me not to be afraid. Help me not to get discouraged at a progressively dark world. Don’t let me give up and let me take the right posture as I look at the dying world around me. May I faithfully, patiently keep telling people about You!