Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray With Me”.

In Mark 13, Jesus describes the coming apocalypse. Unfortunately, he didn’t provide timelines and prophecy charts. 

Here’s what he said the future looks like. 

International politics and the created world will be disrupted with:
– Wars and rumors of wars
– Earthquakes, famines, and chaos
– A sinister and terrible abomination of desolation, but he doesn’t explain what that is.
– And there will be days of distress worse than anything since creation. 

Sounds like 2025, doesn’t it? Wars, earthquakes, desolations. It’s all here.

Then the disruptions extend from earth to the heavens. Sun and moon darken, stars fall, and heavenly bodies are shaken. 

Astrophysicists concur. As the sun ages and cools, our solar system disintegrates. Unlike Jesus, the astrophysicists provide a timeline. Their take: a billion years from now. Are you ready? (When will the sun die? | Space)

Jesus continues his description of the future. Personally and spiritually: 
– People will hate Christians. Families will be divided. Brothers, fathers, and mothers will betray each other to death.
– Christians are arrested, tortured, and brought to trial. 
– False prophets and false messiahs flourish. 

Then, finally, Jesus comes in the clouds with power and great glory. His angels gather Jesus’ disciples and transport them to the next chapter of their existence.

Fifty-five years ago, in 1970, a prophecy preacher I heard got more and more excited as he explained that almost everything Jesus predicted was already happening. Wars, earthquakes, famines, false messiahs, political upheaval, celestial disturbances–1970 had it all. Then he said, “We’re not supposed to set dates, but I don’t think the world can last past 1986. It’s time for Christ to come.”  

I held that thought for 16 years, wondering if he was right. Then 1986 came . . . and went. The preacher’s prophecy flopped. 

Let’s pray. 

O father, we are fascinated by end-of-the-world predictions. But we quickly forget Jesus’ instructions. 

Jesus said, “Watch out that no one deceives you” (v. 5). O father, help us know the truth and recognize false prophets and deceivers.

Jesus said, “Do not worry” (v. 11). Deliver us from anxiety about the present and the future. 

Jesus said “Be on your guard” (v. 9, 23, 33). O father, teach us not to obsess on politics, wars, demonic forces, or the future. May we trust Jesus to shepherd us through life and death. 

Jesus said, “Keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will return” (v. 35). O father, help us be faithful in all our work for you, our neighbors, and creation. Help us to always watch for Jesus’ return. 

Amen. 

I’m Daniel, on the channel “Pray with Me”.  

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