Winter Weather Warning

“Pray that this will not take place in winter, ¹⁹ because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.”

Mark 13:18-19

The context of the passage above speaks of the coming tribulation. While we aren’t specifically in that time yet (verse 19 gives clarity with the expression ‘unequaled from the beginning—and never to be equaled again), even Jesus gives us a picture of how terrible it would truly be for humanity to endure His wrath in cold temperatures. It would be something as torturous as being in a furnace, only it’s being in a freezer.

We left after three in the afternoon and it was already getting dark. We only had a short time to get around before darkness set in.

“If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them.”

Mark 13:20

Some are experiencing personal tribulations this winter. Though you may feel as if you may be the only one going through hard times, you’re certainly not alone. Elijah felt alone and God made sure to let him know there were other believers out there truly dedicated to the One True God and not to deception (1 Kings 19:8-18).

“At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. ²² For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²³ So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.”

Mark 13:21-23

We are not to follow just anyone who claims to know Jesus. The example He gave us specifically claims a physical manifestation, “‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.” This warning may be specific to the great tribulation, but applicable especially in our time because deception will only continue to worsen before Jesus’ return. It becomes more crucial that one can truly discern who belongs to God since the world is getting dark and is headed to a spiritual winter (Matthew 24:11-12).

Related read: The Spiritual Geostorm