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Commentaries
English
Matthew
  
4. God’s Wrath Falling on Men
(Matthew 24:6-8)
6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.8All these are the beginning of sorrows.


The most important advice that Christ gave to His disciples in the last days is, "Take heed that no one deceives you." The disciples had asked their Lord to tell them what the sign of His second coming would be so that they could recognize Him when He came. Jesus did not answer them directly but showed them the great danger was losing their own souls and being dragged into the general apostasy.
The devil, after corrupting the culture of humanity through his false christs, will cause the nations to indulge in tribulations and wars. The devil wants people to forget their Creator and sink into the sea of their problems, as Peter sank when he turned his eyes away from Christ. Peter looked at the high wave flowing towards him and not to Christ. Do not give way to fear and trouble, for Christ lives! He is risen, and He will be with you every day, to save you, carry you, and protect you. He will help you in your fear, no matter what the circumstance, for there is no fear in love (1 John 4:18-21).
Do not be astonished at Christ's words that the four afflictions (wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes) must come to pass. These will occur even if the false prophets and boastful leaders declare peace. The destructive waves must come upon our earth, for men are becoming more proud, trusting their technical achievements, neglecting the Creator, and committing adultery and other ugly sins. Today, I believe we are living at the beginning of God's judgment, but who is listening? And who repents by the gospel?
If you are willing to serve peace for your people, turn to your Lord and preach Christ, for He is the only way to peace with God and among people.
Jesus warns us about the spirit of revolution reflected in the violent coups among the nations. The spirit of rebellion, disobedience, and hatred have become the guiding principle of many young people today. This is what we read in exciting books that glorify these ideas but they will only draw the masses to destruction.
Furthermore, famine is increasing in the world. The causes of this are many, but are basically due to the sinfulness of man. The UN has stated that tens of millions of people die every year from simple preventable illness and starvation. Many perish not knowing God. This is because many believers cling to a life of comfort and idleness. They seem to feel no compassion for the developing countries and fail to share with them the comfort of the Gospel message.
Would you be astonished if the earth trembled and quivered because of increased selfishness, unbelief, and increasing depravity? The reason for earthquakes is scientifically known. It is a sliding in the earth layers, creating tremendous pressure that causes the earth to split and shake. But spiritually, the main reason is God's anger at selfishness, self-indulgence, lack of love, and increased atheistic teaching based on untruth and injustice.
The recognition of the steady presence of God, who govern all events, should comfort and quiet our spirits, whatever happens. God is merely performing that which is appointed for us. Let us, therefore, accept the will of God, because "these things must come to pass," as means to a further end of God's purposes. The old house must be broken down (though it cannot be done without noise, dust, and danger), before the new building can be erected. "The things that are being shaken must be removed, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain" (Hebrews 12:27).
Seek the Lord that you may live. Preach the Gospel with prudence that the power of God's love may accompany you. Woe to the earth without the Gospel! For the nations will devour one another as ravenous wolves. Unfortunately, they are more thirsty for petroleum than the Holy Spirit!

Prayer
Father, forgive us our selfishness, and make us peacemakers through preaching the cross of Your Son. Have mercy on us that we can satisfy the hungry with Your blessings, furnish those who are going astray with light, and comfort the poor. Keep us away from deceivers, for You are the only One who saves us from our sins. We are in dire need of Your Son, the only Savior, in the midst of your punishments.
Question
What are the great dangers facing humanity?