This weekend, in the news, every news media, together with users on YouTube®, Instagram®, Facebook®, and Tik Tok® there was unending reports of war that I am certain has caused fear in so many people. When I see all of the destruction from wars, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and famine, my heart aches for those who are suffering. I have seen many who feel this marks the time for Christ to return.
As we look at Matthew 24:7, Jesus said, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.” He was not speaking to His disciples in a parable, but rather as a father who speaks to his sons. He not only wanted them to know what signs to watch for; He wanted them to not be afraid. He was preparing them for the hard things.
In the Old Testament (especially in the prophetic books), we see the LORD preparing them and, in many instances, He is disciplining the Israelites, and you will see that throughout the Old Testament. However, for the purposes of the blog, I want to focus on how Matthew 24:7 is in alignment with the Old Testament.
“…and nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every kind of distress.” (2 Chronicles 15:6)
The word, “crushed,” in Hebrew means, “beaten down to pieces.” While this verse is not intended to be prophetic or Messianic, taken alone it does speak prophetically. As we know, all of God’s Word is meant for instruction. Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 speaks from the beginning to the end. However, we must use discernment in applying what was specifically intended for Israel instead of ourselves.
This brings us to the next Old Testament verse. In Ezekiel 21:27, we know it is definitely prophetic and Messianic. You will see that the LORD, is telling Ezekiel that He will give the ruins of the nations to Jesus, “…I shall give it to Him.”
“‘A ruin, a ruin, a ruin, I shall make it. This also will be no more, until He comes whose right it is; and I shall give it to Him.'” (Ezekiel 21:27)
Finally, we come to Haggai and another prophetic verse speaking to the end of times. Haggai and other Judean captives were sent back to Judah by King Cyrus II, to rebuild the temple. This is important to remember, when studying prophecy, because there is no Temple in Jerusalem today. The Jewish people are preparing to build the Third Temple; however, God has not allowed them to build. This Third Temple we will learn about in the future for now keep it in your mind.
“Then the word of the LORD came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month saying, “Speak to Zerubbabel governor of Judah saying, ‘I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. ‘And I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots and their riders, and the horses and their riders will go down, everyone by the sword of another.’ ‘On that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,'” declares the LORD of hosts.” (Haggai 2:20-23)
Everything we have learned thus far is meant to be an encouragement to you. If you are feeling anxious or afraid, cast that upon the Lord. He is able to carry that load for you and is willing. He wants you to understand and not be fearful. Allow the following verses to be an encouragement to you.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. “For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Lastly, I am always open to your questions and your comments. With that said, if you have not surrendered your life to Christ Jesus, now is the time.
“And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain— for He says, “AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU”; behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)
Soli Deo Gloria
Azalea Trees and Tea Rooms 