"As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains."
- Matthew chapter 24 verses 3-8
Prior to the Crucifixion, Jesus taught his disciples about His second coming and the end of the age on the Mount of Olives just outside Jerusalem.
Conspiracy theorists, theologians, and even the apostles have contemplated when the end of the world or when Christ will return.
In our modern time, the topic of the end of the world has never been discussed more fervently and frequently than ever before as Syria, Russia, and the USA being the primary source of fears that have led some to suggest that a third world war may be possible.
The only true words
In the light of so many different opinions, reports, and rumours from the media, friends, or even our families, we need to remember that Christ's message and His promises are the only true words in the world.
By not knowing the word of God, and not knowing Christ, we subject ourselves to be led astray by all kinds of rumours and lies. These are distractions for the Christian from the true focus of a faithful life and we need to be vigilant, obedient, and diligent in constant learning and prayer. What happens to the world is up to God.
Pray for peace
It is in a time like this when we should pray for peace in the world, the health of our societies, and most importantly for us to have the blessing of witnessing God's will to be made known and accomplished in our lives. In peace or war, in plenty or in famine, in prosperity or poverty, we need to remember that Christ promises to guide and to be with us until His return.
My prayer for this month of October is that the faithful will be strong in faith, diligent in good works, and charitable in mercy. Peace is precious and fragile, but it can only truly come from God, not from the hands of men.
For it stands in Scripture:
"Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."
- 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 6
This is the hope that we have, this is the hope that makes us strong, and Christ is the reason that life is worth living.
Jack is studying Commerce and Arts at Macquarie University, he is part of a family of five, his hobbies include computer gaming, football, learning languages, and church history. He attends Gracepoint Presbyterian in Burwood.
Jack Liang's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jack-liang.html