What Jesus Did! 'Wars, Earthquakes, and Famines' — Mark 13:8

Thursday, September 19, 2024

[Jesus continued,] "Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come."
— Mark 13:8 NLT

Key Thought

The sad reality of our fallen world and our sinful state is that our world will always have war and human strife as well as natural disasters and the human suffering that accompanies them. We must endure these difficult struggles as part of our human lives in a temporal world. However, when Jesus does return in glory, we will be blessed and our fallen world will be redeemed. Glory awaits beyond the gloom of suffering, brutality, and disaster.

Today's Prayer

O Father, please keep hope alive in those whose lives are overwhelmed with suffering and fear. Help me see beyond the gloom of my own challenges and problems to realize that they are part of a world that is passing away. Help me hold on in faith, trusting that the dawn is coming and that your glory awaits all those who love your Son and look expectantly for his coming! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 8:15-25
  • Revelation 21:1
  • 1 Peter 5:3-10

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 13:8 NLT — There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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