5th November 2026
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: DO NOT BE ALARMED
THEME SCRIPTURE: "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet."—Matthew 24:6
PREPARATORY QUESTION
What recent news has shaken your peace?
In helping the His disciples appreciate the signs of the second coming and the end of the age, Jesus does not say wars will stop. Rather, He says they [wars] will come. He also says something unexpected: do not be alarmed.
The word "alarmed" means to be frightened or thrown into a panic. Jesus names the exact reaction news of conflict produces in the hearts of man. Then he commands the opposite.
His reason is short: "this must take place." These events are not a sign that God has lost control. They fit within what he has already said. A person who has been warned is not caught off guard.
Then comes the phrase that corrects a common mistake: "the end is not yet." Many people see wars and the convulsion of nature, and conclude the end must be near. Jesus says no. Wars are part of life in a fallen world until he returns. They are not a countdown.
Notice that he mentions "rumors of wars." Fear spreads through reports as much as through events. Some of what unsettles us never reaches us in person. It travels through headlines, feeds, and conversations.
This verse shapes how believers live. We should stay informed without being consumed. We should read the news as people who already know the larger story. We should refuse to let fear set our priorities, since fear makes people hasty, selfish, and easy to manipulate. And we should keep doing the work Christ gave us, since the world's turmoil is not a reason to stop.
Peace here is not denial. It is trust that Christ has already spoken about these things and remains in charge of them.
Key Takeaway
Wars and rumors of wars are expected. They do not tell you the end has arrived. They tell you the world still needs Christ.
You can be grieved by suffering without being governed by fear. Let what Jesus said steady you more than what you read in the newspapers today.
Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING
- Matthew 24:6
- John 14:27
- Psalm 46:1–3
- Philippians 4:6–7
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD
1. How much of your daily fear comes from news you cannot change?
2. What would change in your week if you took Jesus' command "do not be alarmed" seriously?
3. Whom could you steady or comfort this week with what Christ has said?
PRAYER
Father, you told me these things would happen. Quiet my fear. I receive grace to read the world through your word, and remain faithful to the work you have given me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.