Keep Watch. Daily Devotional - January 24, 2010

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 25, Matthew 24, Esther 1, Acts 24.

Keep Watch.

As I read through Matthew 24, I was reminded of the powerful earthquake that shook Haiti just 12 days ago. Jesus said in Matthew 24:7 that there would be earthquakes in various places as one of the signs the end of the age was nearing. While watching a newscast the other day they showed a map of the world with dozens of places highlighted where earthquakes happen every single day; of curse not as powerful as the Haiti quake.

Jesus said that another sign of end times would be that nations will rise against nation. We only have to read the newspapers or watch a newscast to know that is happening around the world. he said there would be famines and we know that is happening, especially in third world countries. Just five years ago another disaster struck when the monster tsunami devastated parts of Indonesia and other nations. Luke 21:25 says, "Nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea."

Jesus said when we see all these things happening they are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8. Luke 21:28 says "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

None of us know when the second coming will happen, but I believe these happenings should alert us. Jesus further told us to keep watch because we don't know the day, but that we should be ready because he will come at an hour when we don't expect him. Eph. 5:15 tells us "Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." The happenings around the world should not put fear in our hearts, but spur us to live each day as though the Lord was going to come that day. They should cause us to purpose to make the most of every opportunity. Because we know the Lord we can be confident that he has everything under control and the events on earth are not a surprise to him. I don't believe God causes earthquakes but he knows they will happen and in the midst of disasters his love is extended to the peoples of the earth.

Let us pray that the good news of the gospel will be further spread in Haiti in the midst of what has happened there. i have seen evidences of it in some of the new reports, as people are praising God when they are rescued. Even in the midst of their loss of everything they are still singing and dancing.

Let's keep watch.
God is good all the time,
Naomi Brinkman