Daily EncouragementSample

Here Jesus speaks of Jerusalem’s destruction, of his coming again and of the end of the age.

How true his words about wars have proved to be. Many who have professed to follow him have mistakenly expected wars to cease in all the world. It is strange that they did not mark more carefully what he himself said. “The story of the human race is war,” said Sir Winston Churchill. “Except for brief and precarious interludes, there has never been peace in the world.” Strong vindication of the Master’s word!

How important it is that we heed his exhortation not to be alarmed. We do not need to be, basically because he told us not to be. We shall not be unmoved by war’s tragedy and horror, but we, of all people, should not be surprised that “wars and rumours of wars” abound. His warning rings in our ears. Our eyes look out on a world that is “under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19), and in our hearts we know that as long as men are “God’s enemies” (Rom. 5:10) there can be no true and lasting peace.

Those who live and serve in war situations can take particular comfort from the Saviour’s words.