May 24, 2018 - - Matthew 24:12-13
/And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:12-13 ESV
How do we know we are in the end times? Our brief passage offers two profoundly simple answers: 1. lawlessness increases and 2. the love of many grows cold.
It seems so evident that lawlessness is increasing in our world. Our news programs, even our games, and newsfeed are filled with violence. Basic civility seems to be absent from so many conversations. That line: "the love of many grows cold" rings so true. It is painful to read and contemplate.
Who can survive and how? The words of I Corinthians 1:6ff are so beautiful and reassuring:
even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among
you--so that you are not lacking in any gift as you wait for
the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you
to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God
is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of
his Son, Jesus Christ.
The same God Who leads us in the way of salvation through Jesus Christ pours out His Holy Spirit so that Christians see their sinfulness, confess their sins, and are renewed in the desire to walk in love. God is faithful and He will keep us until the end of time when all peoples of the earth will be judged.
Soften my heart, O God of faithfulness and mercy, so that I will grow in love for You and grow in love for those You have placed in my life. Forgive my waywardness and sin. Forgive me for the times I have contributed to lawlessness and lovelessness by my words, deeds, and forgive me for the times I did not speak against or act against lawlessness or lovelessness. Spirit of God, increase my capacity for obedient living unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of all true believing. God of Majesty, Father, thank You that You sustain and guard Your people in these end times, that You are faithful and loving. Blessed be Your Name! Amen.
