WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS
Do not get scared when you hear of wars developing in any part of the world. This is not a sign of Jesus' personal return.
WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS
Mt24:6 Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars
Each time there is a conflict in the Middle East, certain religious people point to Matthew 24:6, claiming it is the start of Armageddon.
Motive
Jesus pointed out that God had left the temple, and it was about to be destroyed (Matthew 23:37-38, 24:1-2). He then responded to three questions from his disciples. Question 1. When would the temple be destroyed? Question 2. What would be the sign of his coming? Question 3. When would the world end? (Matthew 24:3).
Message
Jesus answered the first two questions rather comprehensively (Matthew 24:4-34). He first cautioned his disciples not to be deceived by anyone (Matthew 24:4-5, 11 24 Romans 16:16-18, 2 Corinthians 4:2). After this, Jesus told the disciples that they would hear about wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6-10). The disciples would see signs that would alert them to his impersonal coming (Matthew 24:15-21, 27-31, 32-33).
Moment
Keep in mind that Jesus is still answering the first two questions about the destruction of the temple and his coming (Matthew 24:3). He offers them a notable time indicator by suggesting that “this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.”(Matthew 24:34). This refers to his message from verse 4-33. Much of his prophecy is in apocalyptic language (Matthew 24:29-31, Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:17-21).
Mistake
Note that Jesus answered the third question of the disciples with a sharp contrast (Matthew 24:35-37). The end of the world, or the second coming of Christ, will have no signs (Matthew 24:37-44). It is like the coming of a thief (2 Thessalonians 5:2, 2Peter 3:10, Revelations 3:3). Let us not be troubled by talks of war (Matthew 24:6). Be prepared for the personal return of Jesus (Matthew 24:44-51, 1Th4:16).