Things Are Getting Worse

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:12-14

Growing up in church in the United States in the 1990s, I heard a lot about the end times. The Left Behind books and subsequent movies were very popular. I was terrified that I would miss the rapture, and be left behind. I was determined by my good behavior that I would not miss out, and would make it to heaven. My seven-year old logic might have helped me not get into trouble, but it was not rooted in the gospel. In these verses, Jesus is continuing his discourse about the end times, but He leaves us with the hope that the gospel brings.

Jesus explains here that a few things will happen. Being God, we can trust that whatever He says is true.

First, wickedness will increase. I’ve heard people in every generation say that this (younger) generation is worse than ever. Well, Jesus predicts that wickedness will get worse. As another translation of the Bible says, “Sin will be rampant everywhere.” That’s not exactly something to look forward to, and that’s not all.

Next, love will grow cold. When you think of love, you think of warmth, kindness, and generosity. Because wickedness will increase, hatred and apathy will too. Love is universal currency, and if love is cold, everything will be affected. Charles Spurgeon says it this way, “If the heart grows cold, everything will be coldly done… Is there anything that goes on as it ought to go when love waxes cold?” This seems pretty dismal. 

But, there is good news! The gospel will be preached throughout all of the world! Despite wickedness increasing, and despite love growing cold, or maybe because of these circumstances, the gospel will prevail. Light shines brightest in the darkest night. 

Additionally, the one who endures to the end will be saved! Salvation is promised to those who stand firm. How do we do that? Not by good moral behavior, like my seven-year old self concluded, but by believing in Jesus. His death on the cross and resurrection makes a way for us to stand firm. As followers of Christ, His Holy Spirit keeps us until the day of Jesus’ return. And, we can partner with God in His redemptive work of spreading the gospel throughout all of the world. In fact, this is what Jesus commanded us to do in His last words on earth. 

These verses follow and precede additional prophetic details about the end times that could bring us fear. Many people have tried to predict when it will happen, but one knows when Jesus will return. It’s not our job to figure that out. It’s our choice to follow Jesus and leave the timing up to Him. We can rest assured that if we stand firm on Him, we will be saved and the gospel will go forth, because every word that God says is true!

PAUSE: What have you heard about the end times? What brings you fear or worry about it? Based on today’s devotional, what could you meditate on that brings you hope?

PRACTICE: Choose a country around the world that you’ve been to or that you want to visit. Pray that the gospel will be shared in that country. 

PRAY: Jesus, when I think about the end times, I am tempted to worry and fear. I thank You that I don’t have to fear or try to make it to heaven on my own. Thank You that You made a way for me. I choose to trust You. I want to follow You. I want to stand firm on You. Give my Your Holy Spirit to guide me and keep me until that day. And help me to partner with You in sharing Your gospel to those all around the world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen