Do Not Be Alarmed

You will hear of wars and rumours of wars,

but see to it that you are not alarmed.

Matt 24.6

David Platt:

Astoundingly, in light of the terrifying events mentioned in this chapter, Jesus tells us not to fear: "See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet" (v. 6). Your hope as a follower of Christ should not come and go based on political trends or potential disasters; these things are not to alarm you.... Jesus is saying, in effect, "Trust in Me. Even when it seems that everything is out of control, I am in control." With such confidence in Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can persevere through tribulation and deception.

******

These words seem particularly relevant as we face so much uncertainty in the world: Brexit shambles; what will Trump do and say next?;  increase in nationalistic ideologies; rising tensions between various countries; wars and threats of war. It is incredible that the Lord Jesus says "see to it that you are not alarmed"! But he is Lord of history, completely in control and holds us and our times safely in his loving hands, so he can say this. Yes we will face tribulation and distress- that is clear throughout the Bible and explicitly in Matthew 24- but with the help of the Holy Spirit we are called to "stand firm to the end" (verse 13) and not live in fear.

A song which seems to go well with these truths from Matthew 24: