Week 33 (11 - 17 Aug): Living Ready in Uncertain Times

Last Saturday, we gathered for home fellowship to study and reflect on Matthew 24, a chapter that never fails to awaken both urgency and sobriety in us. This study coincided with yet another turbulent week in world affairs, with high profile peace negotiations over Ukraine yielding little progress. Against this backdrop, our discussion reminded us how uncertain and fragile the world is, and how Scripture speaks prophetically into such times.

George facilitated the session and began by pointing us back to the Jewish understanding of the Temple before AD 70. To them, the Temple was seen as indestructible, the very dwelling place of God, and one of the architectural marvels of the world. Yet it was destroyed, just as Jesus had foretold. That sobering reminder set the tone for our reading: if such a symbol of permanence could fall, how much more should we be alert to the unpredictability and calamitous nature of the End Times that Jesus described. From there, we spoke about how the present world is plagued by extreme weather, global instability, and moral decline, and how these resonate with the “birth pains” Jesus spoke about.

However, Scripture assures us that the coming of Christ will not be hidden. It will be unmistakable. Still, the emphasis of Matthew 24 is that the day and hour remain unknown, which means our focus must be preparation. A visiting pastor from Africa shared from his ministry experience across countries, warning how false teachings are rising in our times. He urged us that preparation is not only about knowing the Word of God, but also being filled with the Holy Spirit, walking daily with Jesus. We also highlighted the importance of living in surrendered obedience to God without idols or divided hearts.

The many inquiries by another guest, a new believer, reminded us of the importance of discipleship alongside evangelism. His many questions about faith and the End Times were a picture of hunger for truth and the need for grounding. Geok Seng highlighted again that God’s Word is our foundation, while Jenny emphasized that continual reading and understanding of Scripture strengthens both faith and resilience as we await Christ’s return.

As we reflect on that evening, one truth lingers: Jesus calls us not to speculation about dates, but to faithful readiness. Preparation for the End Times is not fear driven but rooted in relationship, walking with Him daily, holding fast to His Word, and living fully surrendered to His Lordship.

Lord Jesus, You have reminded us that no one knows the day or the hour of Your return. Keep our hearts awake and watchful. Teach us to treasure Your Word more than the shifting voices of this world. May we live each day in readiness, not in fear, but in love and faithfulness. Help us to surrender every idol and follow You with a whole heart, until the day we see You face to face. Amen.

On behalf of Belimbing,

Eng Siong