Luke 21:9

But when ye shall heare of wars, and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to passe, but the end is not by and by. Luke 21:9 (KJV)

In this verse Jesus addresses His disciples about the signs that will precede the end times and His second coming. He first acknowledges that the world will experience wars, rumours of wars, and other upheavals: “And when ye shall hear of wars and commotions” (or “rumours of wars”). This observation reminds us that the state of the world will not always be peaceful; conflict and disorder are part of human history.

Jesus then gives a clear command: “Be not terrified, for these things must first come to pass.” He reassures believers that fear should not dominate the heart when such events occur. Rather than being overwhelmed, we are to understand that these turbulent occurrences are among the prophetic signs that signal the unfolding of God’s plan.

The final clause, “but the end is not by and by” (or “and then shall the end come”), emphasizes that the appearance of wars does not mean the immediate arrival of the end of the age. Other events and signs will still precede the ultimate culmination of history. Thus, believers are called to a posture of expectation without panic.

From this passage several lessons emerge. First, an expectation of turmoil: Jesus prepares His followers, and by extension all believers, for a world that will experience unrest. We should not be surprised or caught off guard, but remain spiritually prepared and grounded in faith. Second, trust in God’s sovereignty: even amid chaos, the instruction to “be not terrified” reminds us to place our confidence in God’s ultimate control over the course of history. Third, patience and discernment are required; the signs are indicators that the end is approaching, not an immediate trigger for panic. Believers must exercise careful discernment, avoiding hasty conclusions, and align themselves with God’s purposes. Finally, hope and focus on the ultimate outcome: while wars may dominate the headlines, the larger picture is the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This verse encourages us to maintain hope, fix our eyes on the glorious future promised by God, and live with a steady, faithful expectation of His coming.

In summary, Luke 21:9 calls us to be prepared for turmoil, to trust in God’s sovereign plan, to practice patience and discernment, and to keep our hope fixed on the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive purpose—the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.