Monday, August 19, 2024

I had been a Christian for about three years when the book series Left Behind by Tim LeHaye and Jerry Jenkins burst onto the bestseller lists. I was trying to figure out the puzzling things I had read in the Bible about the end times, so as a reader and new Christian, I dove into those books, reading each as soon as it was released.

The books are exciting, with well developed characters and lots of tension … but they are fiction! I realized that any hope of truly understanding what comes next could only come from one source—the words of Jesus. He is the truth, and that’s where I needed to go!

Matthew 24:1-2
¹ As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. ² But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

It took King Herod 46 years to build this magnificent temple complex! The stones themselves weighed tons! How on earth could no stone be left standing?! And yet, we know that prediction came true 40 years after it was made. So what else does Jesus tell us?

The best advice I believe is found near the end of the Olivet Discourse:

Matthew 24:44
“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected” (emphasis added).

“Be ready!” Jesus told us what following him looks like—love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:34-40). You actually love God by loving your neighbor! He has put you and your neighbor right where you are. You don’t have to go anywhere, your work is right there!

But what about that person in your neighborhood with a political sign in their yard that you oppose (talking to myself here!)?

Jesus answered that too—love as i have loved you, even those with a different point of view (John 15:12). Listen to them. Be curious. Invest in their lives and show them how God has transformed you.

Bottom Line: Don’t let the end times distract you from God’s end game.

Our job is to make sure heaven is full. Tuning into Jesus’ words can help reduce stress and promote purpose. Even though it may seem small, each of us has a part that only we can play in God’s redemptive plan.

Just do it!

Questions:
What does loving your neighbor look like to you? Who do you consider your neighbor? An actual neighbor, a colleague, a family member?

Next Steps:
Think of a way to serve that neighbor. Engage in conversation. Be curious about their lives. Listen more than talk.

21 Days of prayer - Day 8

Focus: Courage to Authentically Share and Care (2 Timothy 1:7)

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you have given us the most precious gift of your story. Forgive us for the times we fail to share it with others or ignore the chances to show your love and compassion. Help us set aside anything that would distract us or take away from this great truth—it’s because you first did all of this for us that we now have the privilege to do it for you. When we are united with you, Father, our hearts grow. Give us the courage to believe what you say and then act on it. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 3:14
For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

Today’s post was written by Lauri White, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut devotional.