Given all we have faced thus far, it is hard to envisage worse times. Yet, that’s what Y’shua prophesied. Again, I dare suggest that we may be in the early days now, but the End is not yet. As believers, we continue to watch and pray, reflecting on the times and seasons. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Matthew 24:21-22 NIV
[21] For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.
[22] “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
Great Distress … Shorter Days
Although their faith in Jesus did not waver, Martha and Mary were totally distraught at the death of their brother. Their grief was palpable. It was deep. When He finally appeared four days after their brother’s death, both sisters told Y’shua that His absence contributed to Lazarus’ death. Theirs was intense grief.
Likewise, at the birth of Y’shua, there was abundant joy in the heavenlies. Hosts of angels shared this joy with shepherds. But, this joy was tempted by sorrow when Herod discovered his throne was under threat. His distress was immediately channelled into self-preservation, resulting in infanticide like never before. That was mass distress, caused by one leader who was unprepared to relinquish power.
His family and the disciples were also greatly distressed at Y’shua’s seemingly senseless murder. It was deep and painful and almost resulted in the group losing hope and focus. In realizing his guilt – that is, the impact of his complicity in Y’shua’s death – Judas committed suicide.
Self-Check
What triggers distress in us, and how do we deal with it?
Application
What is probably the hardest to accept about the distress mentioned, or even our own, is that what’s to come will be even more painful. We are told it is unequal to nothing previously experienced. Thus, whatever we cited as potentially distressing pales in comparison to that which will come. I feel as if I’m tempted to be Hezekiah and ask whether it will occur in my lifetime.
But …
… there’s one drop of Hope. When that profound distress seeps into the lives of believers, Christ assures us that the days will be shortened. It’s as if time will speed up to help us cope with what is happening around us.
Though we may feel like Martha and Mary, the shortened days will be the assurance for those of us living in that time that God is still with us. We can not afford to lose our faith or our hope. Let’s cling to Psalm 46 that reminds us that, ‘…the God of Hope is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.’
Point to Ponder
What other Scripture or song can we turn to when we are faced with distressing news?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
