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Bible Reading: Mark 13:1-27
War is such an ugly word. No one enjoys reading about war in the newspaper or hearing about it on the evening news, but the sad fact is war is a part of life on earth.
God never intended for us to have to live with such an ugly, violent thing as war. His original plan was for us to live in paradise with Him, but sin changed all that. War was one of the consequences of Adam’s original sin.
God reluctantly allows war and the other consequences of sin to continue. Sometimes He resorts to using those horrible things as a way to punish people for continuing to ignore and disobey Him. Sometimes He uses them as a way – a last resort – to try to get the attention of people who have ignored and disobeyed Him. His hope is that when those ugly events occur, people will run to God and beg His forgiveness and mercy and ask for His help. Sometimes it works; sometimes, it doesn’t.
Unfortunately, wars and rumors of more wars, will continue to take place until Jesus comes again. In fact, an increase in these terrible events is one sign that Jesus’ return is near. That’s what Jesus tells us in Mark 13:7 which says, “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come”
Are you trusting God to lead your life in spite of any “ugly” events that are going on in your life; or are you still going your own way, continuing to ignore God and refusing to run to Him for forgiveness, mercy and help?
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Matthew 24:6-8
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You’ve gotten my attention. Forgive me and help me cope with the ugly consequences of my own sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.