When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

                                                                                                                   Mark 13:7-8 

Today we find Jesus instructing the disciples on the end of the age. Some of the things that Jesus says will happen prior to the end include nation rising up against nation, kingdom against kingdom, earthquakes, and famines. But the thing that stands out for me in this passage is that although all of these things will take place, believers are not to be frightened. These events are simply the natural flow of events that have to take place prior to the return of Jesus.

How do you react to “disturbing” news and world events? The unsaved world has plenty to be concerned about because, apart from a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, the future holds nothing for them other than righteous judgment. But for those of us trusting in Jesus for our salvation, world conflict and chaos is not something for which we should be afraid. You might say, faith is to triumph over fear. In fact, scripture comes complete with many admonitions for those who belong to God to stand firm in their faith and not allow the happenings of the world to distract them. Consider the following: 

But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!”

                                                                                                                       Isaiah 43:1

Yes, this was written to the people of Israel centuries prior to the first coming of Jesus, however, Christians enjoy the same inclusion in this security because of their faith in Christ (Galatians 3:14). If you have been redeemed and belong to Christ, you have nothing for which to be afraid. For believers, the future holds salvation and an inheritance in the kingdom of God. Consider the words of Christ Himself:

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. 

                                                                                                               John 14:27

Christians should never allow the events around them to cause their hearts to be troubled. Believers should be concerned for others and care for those who need to hear the gospel, but this concern should be motivated by love not fear. We even find this message of not being afraid in the Psalms. Consider the following:

Do not fret because of evildoers, be not envious toward wrongdoers. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.

                                                                                                            Psalm 37:1,7-8 

Three times David tells us not to fret. When we see others seemingly get away with evil and prosper from carrying out wicked schemes, we are not to get angry or become envious of these people, knowing that the day of reckoning will come for all who are outside of Christ. So when we hear about wars and rumors of wars, when we observe people in positions of power abuse their position, and when we see people, who openly oppose the gospel, seemingly prosper, we are not to fret nor be afraid.

In addition to Jesus’ warnings about world events in the last days, He also includes situations that we will see happening in our own backyard. Listen to His words:

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

                                                                                                                   Mark 13:12-13 

Christ divides people. The gospel will always bring with it two opposite reactions. People will either humbly embrace the good news of salvation or they will vehemently oppose this wonderful message. Jesus teaches us that following Him will sometime create spiritually divided homes (Luke 12:51-53). In the last days, this hatred will escalate to the point in which “brother will betray brother” and “children will rise up against parents” and even have them put to death (for their faith). In the last days, Jesus says that Christians will be hated by all. Even a cursory examination of today’s culture shifts and it is not hard to see this reality closing in on us all.

But along with living void of any fear, believers are to endure to the end. The word being used for “endure” is literally defined “to remain under.” It means that believers are to hold fast to their faith in Christ. This enduring does not require us to do anything apart from continuing to trust in Jesus. For everyone who endures in the faith, they will be saved.

Do you watch the news? Are you keeping up with the happenings of the world? How do you react to these events and reports? Do you get angry or agitated? As believers, we are to face today’s culture with courage and conviction. We are not to fret when it appears that others are “getting away with murder.” I believe that Christians should guard against being distracted away from our primary mission of preaching the gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15). Putting aside all fear, let’s move out in today’s culture knowing that God is still able to save those who will change their mind and believe in the gospel. That is living out our faith apart from fear!