Scripture

“And the Good News about the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it, and then the end will come.”

Observation

As Jesus and His followers leave the Temple precinct, Jesus points back at the Temple and says that all of the buildings will be completely destroyed.

Later, at the Mount of Olives, the disciples come and ask Him when these things will happen, and what will be the signs of the end of the age.

Jesus warns them that there will be many who come and claim to be the Messiah. There will be wars and rumours of wars, and many disasters. The disciples will be hated and persecuted all over the world. There will be rampant sin, but those who endure to the end will be saved.

The Good News about the kingdom will be preached throughout the world, and then the end will come.

Application

The end times are always popular, but there is very much confusion about these issues.

The phrase “the end of the world” should be translated as “the end of the age.” The destruction of the Temple was a real event that happened in the year 70, and it really marked the end of the age as far as Israel was concerned.

People have been confusing the end of the age with the end of the world for years, while overlooking the most obvious sign of all.

The end will come after the gospel is preached to all nations. Even when the gospel has gone to all nations, and the nations have heard it, there is no promise here that the end will come immediately.

We don’t have the time and date for the return of Christ, because that is for God alone to know.

We do know that God intends for every nation to hear the Good News. Instead of speculating and worrying about events that we cannot control, we should pray for the nations to receive the gospel.

Prayer

Lord, I pray for my nation of Australia. Send revival, Lord, and let this nation be transformed by your gospel. Amen.