Text: Matthew 24:21

Further Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-16

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Matthew 24:21 NKJV

MESSAGE

Tribulation seems to me the very opposite of jubilation. It means an extremely painful and heart-wrenching experience that results because of one’s decision. For us believers, we will go through this process because we are followers of Christ. Our Master had already forewarned us that we would go through such an experience because of our faith in Him. 

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NKJV

The implication of going through tribulation for being a Christian is dire but much worse is the subject of great tribulation. Our Bible reading of the day told us that such tribulation must be taken with Joy because our present suffering will only produce in us great joy at the end of our lives (1 Peter 4:12-16).

Having said that, we must now look at great tribulation and what it meant in these end times as we hear up towards the coming of the Lord. In our text of the day, the Lord told us that we should expect great tribulations such as not happened before nor will ever happen. 

That statement should send a chill to our bones considering the persecution of the early church and the pioneer Christian missionaries in savage nations endured. The kinds of torture and painful death that were recorded about early Christians in Rome, England, and other places are already horrific, yet there seems to be worse coming. 

Listen to what Jesus said about those days of great tribulation in the next verse:

And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

Matthew 24:22 NKJV 

Again this should lead us all to ask God for His sufficient grace and to be thankful for the religious freedom we may currently be enjoying. We know that right now, so many brothers and sisters of ours are experiencing such great tribulation in China, North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, India, Nigeria, and many other nations. We must pray for them and also be ready. 

Finally, because evil days are coming we must learn to redeem every passing day by making them count for the glory of God. We can also rest in the assurance that Jesus will both comfort and help His saints during those trying periods. Are you going through some trials now, Jesus will come through for you and all will end in Joy. Amen!

REFLECTION

And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 7:14 NKJV

Only a few people will survive the great tribulation. Ask God for the grace to be victorious over every trial and tribulation you may go through for Christ’s sake.

PRAYER

Father, please give me the grace to be victorious always over every trial and tribulation. Baptize me with your Joy.