Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we come to Your Word today, please grant us clarity and hope in times of great deception and despair. Give us firm faith in Your Promises throughout the uncertainties of life. And protect us from the deceiver and his every deception. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture

Devotion

I often argue with my wife about books I should read. You see, I like to read books from beginning to end so that all the unforeseen plot twists and turns unfold as the author intends. On the contrary, my wife likes to read the last chapter early on in her reading of a book. She likes to look up plot summaries before she reads particularly tense sections. She wants to be prepared for whatever will happen, before it arrives. I find it infuriating!

Today’s reading, however, suggests that Jesus wants Christians to approach world history like my wife approaches books – keeping the end in mind, so that we will be prepared for the twists and turns.

Having condemned the religious officials in yesterday’s reading, Jesus explains to His Disciples that the whole religious system of Israel will soon come crashing down. The temple will be destroyed, the people will be distraught and many will be deceived. But this is not the end – just the beginning of birth pangs.

The world will often seem chaotic, many people will offer themselves as the saviours that we need, but (Jesus says) do not be deceived and do not despair. The Good News of the Kingdom of God will be preached to all nations – nothing can stop it. Those who stand firm in their faith in Christ to the end will be saved – not one will be lost. So whatever plot twists you may encounter, rest easy. It’s all going just as the author intends, and he will – in the final chapter – bring all things to a happy end.

Intercessory Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for those serving in the police force, hospitals and fire services. We pray that the people serving in the police force will be given understanding, wisdom and compassion in the performance of their duties. We pray that they will have spiritual discernment to recognize what is evil and wicked. We pray that they will use their power and authority appropriately, to destroy evil and unjust practices and uphold all that is righteous and good. We pray that those serving in the hospitals will have compassion, understanding and skills for the care of the sick, suffering and dying. We pray for healing, for those who are sick and suffering. May the Lord’s protection be upon the fire department, so that they may be full of strength and courage while on duty, going and returning safely and peacefully. We pray that they will be richly blessed as they serve others with various needs. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!