The current state of our world, proves how life can change in the blink of an eye. All the more reason, we as the people of God, need to be prepared for whatever we’ll face as the world grows darker. As God’s people, we’re called to stand out, to be set apart, to be a light in the darkness, because only we can point others to Jesus – the only Way, Truth and Life.
The enemy wants to paralyze us with fear and confusion, and so we must be wise and stand strong. Whenever we prepare for events at our church, my husband likes to do a “practice run” so that we’re prepared for whatever we may encounter in the actual event. I can’t help but think, that what we’re facing in this moment, is a “practice run” for the people of God, teaching us to respond as He wants us to when things really get tough. What if coronavirus is nothing compared to what we’ll face in the future? The Bible talks about “gross darkness” to come, but also promises us the “light will break through, and the glory of God will appear (Isaiah 60:2-3).” I believe this light and glory will be released through us, the people of God who will stand and not waver. A people who when it seems like “all hell is breaking loose,” will rise up and release Heaven here on earth.
I’m finishing this 3 part series today on the warnings Jesus gave for the end times in Matthew 24, because I know it’s the truth we must apply today. The 3rd statement Jesus made, was warning us of “cold love.” Even in the midst of what we’re facing today, I see this already happening. This blog post is not to point fingers at anyone, but to point out the fact that the love of many is already growing cold, and we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, so His love continues to burn hot through us, to a world desperately in need of Him.
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
Matthew 24:12
People have read this verse and interpreted it to mean the iniquity in the world, however, since Jesus is speaking to those who follow Him, we’re led to believe this is not just the iniquity in the world, but within the lives of those who call themselves Christians – those we call fellow brothers and sister in Christ. Just like the betrayal we discussed in Part One, which comes from the one we never expected, so will come this iniquity. The Greek word for iniquity in this verse (anomia) means lawlessness. Lawlessness means to live contrary to or without regard for the law. As people of God, we are called to live our lives according to the unchanging Word. In the last days, however, lawlessness will abound, and many who call themselves “christians” will not live according to the Word (Matthew 7:21-23).
At the same time, the increase of false prophets and teachers will arise. Satan, the father of all lies, will use these mouthpieces to infiltrate the body and create a compromised, lukewarm and deceived church (Revelations 3:16). Truth being preached will become scarcer, as a watered down gospel, negating the importance of walking in our righteousness in Christ, will be preached. Those who stand for righteousness will be persecuted, not just by the world, but from within the body of Christ (Matthew 5:10-12) The “accept everything and anything” mentality of the world will infiltrate the church as it already has, and the one who dares to “judge fruit,” will be bullied and shamed for standing for righteousness (Matthew 7:15-20). This combination of iniquity and false teaching, will cause many to become disheartened at the lack of TRUTH and RIGHTEOUSNESS around them; hence the love of many will grow cold.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
Matthew 7:15-20
Acceptance disguised as love will be preached. People will be told they are being judgemental or unforgiving when they expose sin and speak truth. They will be called unloving when they don’t “accept anything and everything.” Just like the world shoves acceptance down our throats and bullies and shames those who dare so speak the truth in love, so will many in the church, for the sake of easing sinful and seared consciences. Acceptance is not love. God did not accept our sin; He made a way of escape. He loved us enough to see our sinful condition and enabled us to be free of it through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This is Love – the kind of love that makes all the difference – God’s Agape Love.
This is the love Matthew 24:12 is talking about. And this is the very love satan wants us to grow cold in, because Agape Love will transform our world. God is love and the people of God are known by love. We must know the Truth of God’s love like never before. Love and Truth go hand in hand. Love speaks truth and the truth sets us free!
We must stay connected to God, because we’re only able to love like God, because He first loved us. We have to experience His Love, through intimacy with Him, through spending time in His Word and letting the truth of His love change and transform us. We want to love like Jesus, but know this, love doesn’t make excuses for sin. Love doesn’t twist the truth to ease a conscience. If a person falls in a mud pit do we say, “Hey you look great! You should stay in that mud pit if it makes you happy.” No we say, “Hey, let me help you out of that mud pit, I know just the Person that can get those mud stains out and help you to avoid the mud pits in life, so you don’t have to live like that. This Person offers a better way – freedom from the mud pit!” (Hebrews 10:19-31)
People of God, I’m not going to lie to you. It will get increasingly difficult to speak truth in the last days, because it will become less and less popular. But Jesus encourages us in verse 13:
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
This means we’ll have to endure some things. But Jesus promises us we’ll be saved. Stay in God’s Word. Saturate yourself in it, and avoid deception. Hang tight to Truth and walk closely with Him. And be encouraged – the Bible promises that there will be a people, a remnant of God, who hunger for truth. These are the people Jesus is coming back for. Child of God, you’re not alone. God is always with you. And the remnant of God is rising up; true believers in Christ, obeying the commandments of God and fighting the good fight of faith (Revelations 12:17) Together we will stand! We don’t know the day or the hour, but He is surely coming back.
And finally stay true to the calling we all have. Verse 14 says,
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 is our mission, and in fulfilling our mission no matter what we face, we’ll find greater strength to endure. As we do, our focus will be on living for Jesus and preaching the Kingdom, rather than the craziness we see around us. Now is not the time to be silent, but to speak out! God is looking for those who will rise up and be voices of TRUTH in this season; those who will seek truth at any cost and will not be deceived. He is looking for those who will not cower in the face of persecution, but stand strong in the Lord; on the solid Rock of Jesus. If you are reading this, that’s YOU! Do not fear, God is with you.
If you missed them, you can Read Part One HERE or Part Two HERE
