“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?” Mark 13:4 (but read all of Mark 13:1-13)

The natural desire is to know when and where “the end of the world” will occur. We’re curious people. We’re anxious people. But no one knows but God alone.

He who says he knows or suggests signs that what is to come is about to take place, is not the one. Even dramatic signs in nature or signs politically are at best preliminary.

What will happen has pretty much been divulged in God’s word (Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, Matthew 24). We just need to wait for it.

It’s good to be discerning. It’s important to remain faithful. But you’ll know full well when the time—your time—has come, because you’ll run out of hiding places, and be, if not already, targeted for elimination. All of Jesus’ disciples except one died as martyrs, and the other was exiled.

So don’t worry about that prospect for yourself now. Don’t practice what you’re going to say when called upon to defend your faith now. The occasion, if and when it comes, will be too big for you to handle yourself. The spirit of God will take it from there.

Simply understand that nothing’s permanent in this world. You can appreciate things for now, like beautiful buildings, with that mindset.

To review the Lord’s counsel for living “in the last days,” see to it that 1) no one misleads you. 2) Do not be frightened. 3) Be on your guard. 4) Do not worry beforehand about what you’ll do or say when persecuted.