This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14 WEB
Those who believe in Christ are saved from sin by the grace of God. However, The response to our salvation is service to the kingdom of heaven. Good works follow salvation. As we read in James 2:26, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. WEB” A great portion of our work is sharing the truth of the gospel message, the good news of the kingdom with the world.
In Chapter twenty-four of Matthew’s gospel, Christ predicts the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. The fulfillment of this prophecy came shortly after in 70 AD. Additionally, Jesus reveals the difficulty that comes for his followers before his return. True believers will suffer persecution and death. The beginning of the end of this age is signified by deceivers who claim to be Christ, wars as well as rumors of wars, as well as famines and earthquakes in various places.
Endure to the End
Christ encourages us to remain faithful and warns against falling for deception. The Lord reveals in Matthew 24:10-13, “Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will lead many astray. Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved. WEB”
What follows is the scripture we consider today. Critically, the end comes following the fulfillment of the preaching of the gospel to the entire world. In spite of the difficulties endured by the faithful, the truth of the love of God in Jesus Christ continues to spread throughout the world.
The men to whom Jesus spoke this message began the work of sharing the good news of the kingdom. It is up to the faithful today to continue this commission. We live in a time that is very close to fulfilling these words of Christ. There are very few places in this world that have not yet received the gospel of Christ. Jesus calls us to remain faithful to his teaching, sharing the good news of the kingdom, loving one another, and living in the service of the Lord until his return.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for revealing the deception and trouble to come. Guide my steps in your service and help me to share the truth of the good news of the kingdom with the world. Give me the things I need to endure until the end. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Cleanse Me From My Sin
