Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, where He sat down opposite the temple, the house of prayer for all nations (Mark 11:17). We do not know what the Master went there to do, but since He lived in communion with the Father and received direction for the work to be done on Earth, what He experienced there serves as a lesson for us: we must seek the Father continually, especially when we feel the need to know something that is not yet clear to us. Those who learn from Christ will always be right!

Four of Jesus' disciples, the brothers James and John, as well as Peter and Andrew, went to the Master to ask Him privately about the end of the world. Jesus answered them, citing situations that would happen throughout the world, warning them of the nearness of His return. Meditate on the signs of the end listed by the Savior so that you may be prepared.

The Old Testament prophets and other servants of the Lord announced that the coming of the Messiah would be real and gave important details about this event that would deliver mankind from eternal perdition. Everything that was written about Jesus was fulfilled. Likewise, everything that was predicted about His return will come to pass exactly as the Holy Spirit revealed. It is good to be prepared to go up with Him when He comes to gather His Church!

With hearts full of sadness, we see some saved people allowing the devil to influence them to deny Jesus and all He suffered in order to remove the barrier that separated us from God. Now, when they should be living in holiness, preparing for Christ's return, they give themselves over to prostitution, drugs, and corruption. Do they think God will accept them into Heaven with their lives stained by sin? It is better to get right with God while there is still time!

The Holy Spirit inspired Peter, John, and other servants of the Gospel to record in Scripture Jesus' answers to the questions they asked Him privately about the end times, so that everyone would know that for judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:13). Woe to those who have sold themselves to sin! If they do not repent in time, they will be condemned and go to final perdition!

Reflect on this warning from the Master: For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  (Matthew 24:38,39). Why does man not believe in divine warnings? Does God not deserve credit? Mercy!

Jesus spoke about the punishment that will come: and that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. (Luke 12.47). Those who justify their sins must prepare to see this sentence fulfilled in its entirety. Those who play with God will experience His wrath. Watch!     

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares