What brings hopelessness to life? Most adults in the world, no matter where they live, face the same issues--job insecurity, health uncertainty, financial distresses, future fears, relational woes, and general struggles that accompany normal, daily life in our world. Those wear on our hopes for the future.

But the horrible reality is—the WORST is yet to come! Please turn to Matthew 24 with me as Jesus now turns from the snap shot we saw last time in Matthew 24:15-20. Do you remember them? Those verses show us that Christ sees at His Return—the Jews back in their land (after 2500 years without any nation called Israel), with a Temple in Jerusalem (after 2000 years without a Temple), and offering animal sacrifices (after 2500 years without any animal sacrifices).

Now look on at Matthew 24:21-22 as He introduces a new topic. Jesus sees at His Return a time when mankind is finally possessing the capability of total annihilation of life on planet earth.

Matthew 24:21-22 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. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.