Devotion 4.18.16

"Signs of the Apocalypse."  That's a phrase used when something occurs that was not only totally unexpected, but shows a major shift or change.  For example, let's say that Cowboy owner Jerry Jones fired himself from the general manager's position, hired John Elway to become the president of the team and general manager of operations, and said the era of winning is more important than him running the operations of the team.  Sports' writers the next day would probably have a headline saying, "Signs of the Apocalypse:  Jerry Jones Fires Himself, Hires Elway."

Christians are familiar with the phrase "signs of the apocalypse."  The bible contains "apocalyptic" books and passages that speaks toward trials and tribulations faced by people of faith, the body of Christ specifically.  In Matthew, Christ spells out those days by saying, "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.  See, I have told you beforehand. So if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness, do not go  out.  If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms, do not believe it.'" (Matthew 24) 

Each generation seems to concern itself at some point, wondering if we are in "end times."  Christ says in the same passage, "But concerning that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." (24:36) So then, what should we do to prepare? Peter says this, "Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these (final days, Christ's return, dissolving the heavens and the earth and creating new heavens and earth), be diligent to be found without spot or blemish, and at peace." (2 Peter 3:14) Our salvation guaranteed through faith in Christ, we then carry out Christ's instructions for us to "make disciples of all nations," and to live as Christ has instructed us through our actions in response to his love.

Pray that knowing our actions speak to Christ's love for us, and that our actions speak to his grace.  Pray that we continue living as Christ instructed us, even through trial and tribulation.

Hope Men's Ministry