Sunday, August 18, 2024

The end of the world.

Have you ever thought about it?

This week, we continue our series, The End, where we have been exploring what Jesus has to say about this and other questions.

It's not uncommon to hear predictions about the world ending, and it's easy to feel helpless and become anxious. But in Matthew 24, Jesus offers insight and encouragement that can allay our fears and allow us to focus on what's truly important.

While predictions may be rampant, we can rest in the fact that we simply won’t know when the end will come, and our energy should not be spent worrying about it.

Matthew 24:36
“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.”

Later in this same chapter, however, we are exhorted to be prepared.

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

It’s here that we can act. Instead of fretting over when and how the world will end, we can anticipate the joy we will have with Jesus in the future. In the meantime, we can deepen our relationship with God, live out our faith, and share the Good News of Christ’s love for us with others, so they might join us one day (Matthew 24:13).

Today and throughout this week, spend time exploring your own thoughts about the end of the world. Set aside any distractions, close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Do you contemplate the end with faith and the hope that comes from Christ, or from a place of fear? Consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hard copy. Either write this below your journal response or read it out loud to yourself: “If Jesus didn't need to know when the end was coming, then neither do I.” Go back to this anytime you need the encouragement to be prepared like Jesus rather than being too focused on the predictions.

21 Days of Prayer - Day 7

Focus: Our Churches (Matthew 28:18-20)

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for gathering us today as your church. We ask you to guide us as we seek to know you more and to share your love and truth with others. Help us to understand the purpose and mission you have for us as your followers and ambassadors. When we do, we believe that you have an amazing adventure for our lives and for everyone around us. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord—amen.

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Discussion Questions:

Icebreaker: What do you envision the end of the world looking like?

Why do so many people fear the end of the world?

Read Matthew 24:11-14 and Matthew 24:42-44. What do you learn from these verses? How are you encouraged? What do you learn about God’s end game?

How do today’s world issues distract you from the good that is to come?

What is one thing you can focus on to make the end about the power and hope of our Savior?

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.

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut.