Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
This passage of scripture points us to a period of earth's history when there will be an unprecedented proliferation of sin and iniquity, rivaling those evils committed by the antediluvians, and the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah. The passage makes mention of disturbances and hatred amongst the nations of the earth, with results that affect the natural world, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and pestilences in many places.
Towards this time we are now hastening with lightening speed, and thus the word of God bids us to observe the real cause; it is because iniquity is abounding, and wherever iniquity is proliferating, there is a corresponding and catastrophic drop in the level of love and compassion manifested towards God and man. That's why there is currently an alarming indifference to the sanctity of human life in our day, and we have now officially entered a period of earth's history where we call evil good, and good evil, a predicament that invites woes and sorrows of epic proportions. Let's read:
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: 23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
However, the passage for today also states that there will also be a corresponding increase in the spreading of the gospel to all the world for a witness to all nations, before the second coming of Christ takes place. It is necessary that the inhabitants of the earth be warned of the final conflict that is to take place between the forces of good and the forces of evil, for the showdown will not take place in isolation, or in a vacuum, but will rather be fought within the domain of every human heart. Whether we believe it or not, we are currently involved in a mortal conflict for our souls, and we are up against a determined and relentless foe, hence the reason why the preaching of the gospel has become necessary, so that earth's inhabitants can be victorious in this conflict, through the merits of a crucified and risen Savior. Let's read:
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
In our day we are cautioned not to let the love of God within our hearts grow dim, because of a change in focus and ideology as it pertains to our philosophy of life, neither are we to become acclimatized to the prevailing iniquity that is deepening as the shadows of death across the planet. Over a period of time it is possible for those of us who once recoiled in horror at the very mention of certain evils, to become so accustomed to seeing and hearing of them, that they no longer disturb our consciences. Especially is this the case when those in positions of secular and religious leadership take initiatives to confirm iniquity in places high and low, as is currently the case in several countries.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to hold fast the profession of our faith, steadfast unto the end, so that when God intervenes, we will be found on the right side of the fence. Let's read:
1st Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God" ..... "follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13 I give thee charge in the sight of God" ..... 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!