See that no one leads you astray.

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”

And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

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Interesting how Jesus begins his discourse on end times by warning his disciples of deception. Many have been deceived since then by well meaning, and not so well meaning, last days prophets. In the 1980s teachers taught and many believed that Jesus would return at the turn of the century. Many times back then I would listen to hours of teaching on the book of Revelation. There is just something in us that longs to know the future.

As the Lord begins to answer their questions and describe the tumultuous times to come he stops and he says "do not be alarmed". Sometimes there is a fear that grips us when we hear of future wars, earthquakes and famines. In response Jesus stops us and tells us that these things have not caught God by surprise. His foretelling of these events is meant to comfort us and teach us to trust the one who knows all things - even the future.

I am persuaded that you know all things Lord. I will trust you for today and for tomorrow.