Today’s Bible Reading:
2 Samuel 13-14; Matthew 24
Topic: Salvation
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:12-13
Teaching His disciples about signs of the end
times, Jesus says…
12 Because of
the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to
the end will be saved. (Matt 24:12-14 NIV)
OBSERVATION:
First it should be noted that Jesus is addressing His
disciples—believers. Previous to this, in verses 4-11, He warns believers of
persecution and hatred against them to come. He cautions against being deceived
by false teachings. Then He says that because of this increased wickedness the
love (Greek agape) of “most” of His followers will (psugeesetai) stop breathing and reduce
temperature. In other words, the self-sacrificing, God kind of love in probably
the majority (polloon – most or many)
of believers will die.
APPLICATION:
What a heavy statement this is from Jesus. Listen believer,
could such a sad state befall you? Could I succumb to it? Because wickedness
breeds only self-serving love, and if unchecked will remove all vestiges of
agape love, it is of utmost importance to maintain and be solidly anchored in
my relationship with Christ. Only with His presence within will it be possible
to maintain a heart of self-sacrificing love that in those days may only be
found in a minority.
PRAYER:
Lord, I need Your strength within to survive the ever
increasing wickedness in the world. I vow to be counted among those who “stand
firm to the end.”
Through Christ. Amen.
–AP
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