“Now 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?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:1-14 NKJV
God of eternity,
The disciples were seeking answers. Jesus answered some but did not get distracted from what he was about to do. Rather than getting tied up in preparing for the end, he wanted them to hold it in their hearts while living in the present. No need to worry about all that now. They needed to hang on to His Way, His Truth, and soon – His resurrection (John 14:6). One day at a time (Matthew 6:34).
This estachalogocal passage speaks of things to come and at various times in history believers have felt they were living in that time. Almost every generation has known wars, rumours of wars and natural disasters. There has been persecution of believers since Jesus day. We can look at it today and think here we go . . .
But like the wise virgins we need to keep it in context and use it to keep us on our toes and ready. Even if it does not happen in our lifetime (Matthew 25:3). I do question why there has to be endless wars, terrible natural disasters and such persecution? And You remind me to the beginning, our sin, the and the consequences (Genesis 3). Paul talks about even the earth groaning for deliverance as it waits (Romans 8:18-25).
Remind us Lord that in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:52). Jesus promised the penitent thief on the cross that he would be with Jesus in paradise that very day (Luke 23:43). Thank you that we know the worst and the best and the best is forever and no one can take it away from those in Christ Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 13th November 2026
I stepped away to the kettle and found myself singing this hymn. This is such a fresh version and it says it all.
I could not do without thee,
O Saviour of the lost,
whose precious blood redeemed me
at such tremendous cost;
thy righteousness, thy pardon,
thy precious blood, must be
my only hope and comfort,
my glory and my plea.
I could not do without thee,
I cannot stand alone,
I have no strength or goodness,
no wisdom of my own;
but thou, belovèd Saviour,
art all in all to me,
and weakness will be power
if leaning hard on thee.
I could not do without thee,
O Jesus, Saviour dear;
e’en when my eyes are holden,
I know that thou art near;
how dreary and how lonely
this changeful life would be
without the sweet communion,
the secret rest with thee.
Verse not used
(I could not do without thee;
no other friend can read
the spirit’s strange deep longings,
interpreting its need;
no human heart could enter
each dim recess of mine,
and soothe, and hush, and calm it,
O Blessèd Lord, but thine.)
6 I could not do without thee,
for years are fleeting fast,
and soon in solemn loneness
the river must be passed;
but thou wilt never leave me,
and though the waves roll high,
I know thou wilt be near me,
and whisper, ‘It is I.’
Lyrics: Francis Ridley Havergal