R³ Devotional - Day 310

I’ve lived near the Gulf Coast or Atlantic Coast nearly all my life. Hurricanes are nothing new. There are basic preparations to be made, including evacuation plans if necessary.  Things that are certain: 1. There will be hurricanes, 2. You never know where they land until they land, 3. You never know how destructive or powerful they are until after landfall. But there will be hurricanes. On August 26, 2023, a depression developed in the western part of the Caribbean Sea. On August 30, it was a Category 1. Within 24 hours it became a Category 4, and landed near Perry, Florida.  This was the quickest-forming hurricane in history.  Warnings need to be taken seriously.  Preparations need to be taken seriously.  

In Mark 13, Jesus gives us warning signs of the end of times.  

In verse 1 we see the disciples marveling at the “wonderful stones and wonderful buildings”.  Jesus scoffs at the great buildings with “There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”(verse 2). Jesus goes on to describe the end of times beginning in verse 6: 6Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And also in verse 12 and 13(a);

 12And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 

Jesus also gives instruction and Hope:   
Verse 5 – Do not be led astray by false teachers/leaders/prophets
Verse 6 – Do not be alarmed when hear of wars – It is prophecy
Verse 9 – Be on your guard – you will be persecuted for HIS sake, to bear witness
Verse 10 – The Gospel MUST be proclaimed to all nations
Verse 11 – You will be given the words to speak – The Holy Spirit will guide and comfort you
Verse 13 – You, who endures to the end, will be saved through all of this

REAL - Life Principle: Jesus tells us like it is.  Don’t be alarmed.  Listen to the Word of God and be prepared.
RELEVANT - Life Application: We always want to know.   Know what is certain.  Jesus is coming back.  There are signs and warnings.  
READY – Action Steps: Are you ready?   Are you prepared?  If we die before Jesus comes, without salvation, we are destined to Hell.  With Salvation, through Jesus Christ, we are destined to Heaven.

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Philippians 3:20-21
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”