Fear of the Future – The Need for Clarity
The Final Testimony

Scripture: Matthew 24:14

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

We all love clarity – driven by our fear of the future. In the church, we often speak of the final days before Jesus comes for us and the world starts its final march to destruction. Yesterday we looked at four warnings that Jesus told the disciples to watch for. Today I want to focus on what Jesus describes as the last testimony. He said the gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world – as a “testimony” to all nations. Then, with confidence and complete clarity, Jesus simply says: “and then the end will come.” Let’s break this down for more clarity!

First, the gospel must be preached. The gospel is a term referring to the story of Jesus. His birth, life, death and resurrection are all essential ingredients to the gospel. The Bible not only records this event, but is clear on their meaning to mankind. The gospel story is the story of mankind being rescued from sin and having a bridge back to God. It’s not enough for the nations to hear about God… they must hear about Jesus and His redemptive work – then the end can come.

Second, the gospel must be preached to all nations… to the whole world. That, I’m sure, seemed impossible in the minds of Jesus’ disciples. But to us, living in this computer age, it is happening quickly! Via satellites – Billy Graham preached to several continents, just a few years ago.

Yes, our future is very clear: Jesus is coming back, and we believers are going to live forever in God’s presence!

Father, remind me – often – of how close it could be to that glorious day when you send Jesus to gather your church. I’ll be watching. In Jesus’ Name, amen.