The Beginning of the End
Currently, we flip on the news and quite possibly see biblical prophecy being fulfilled - right before our very eyes. Israel, God’s people, are under attack. It is alarming, to say the least, but for the faithful Christian, this brings great hope and immense expectations. From the news, we see the missiles and bombs raining down on Jerusalem and other parts of Israel. This constant, seemingly unending, barrage of missiles and bullets scares even the most seasoned military veteran. However, dear Christian, take hope: Jesus said it would be like this. Jesus has prepared us for a time such as this.
Every day it seems more and more apparent to me that we are living in the Last Days. Do I think Jesus will come back today? Maybe. (I guess we’ll find out tomorrow!) The more prudent question would be, “Is Jesus coming back?” Our answer, “Yes!” Let’s look at His words. To the doubters, I ask you to stay with me. If Jesus foretold of a futuristic time when God would bring the world to an end, shouldn’t we study it? I want to add this word of caution: NO ONE knows the time of the end of the world! Jesus even says that HE does not even know! Mark 13:32 informs us, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (my italics). However, the Bible gives us necessary “clues” as to when Jesus will return.
As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives in one of His final discourses, the disciples came to Him “privately” and asked when would the “end of the age” come? Jesus responded, before He gave any information to us, with a warning - “Take heed that no one deceives you.” It’s almost as if Jesus knew that were going to be well- meaning “lunatics” shouting from every street corner, “Today is the day of Christ’s return.” (Maybe “lunatics” is too strong a word to describe them, but you get the picture.) Jesus gave us a list of indicators to help us in Matthew 24 to bring into focus the End Times. He tells us there will be:
1. Wars and rumors of wars
2. False Christs (Messiahs)
3. Nation will rise against nation
4. Kingdom against kingdom
5. Famines
6. Pestilences
7. Earthquakes
These are the “tribulations” which the world must endure before Jesus’ Second Return. After Jesus’ return, the earth will undergo a 7-year tribulation period. Ezekiel 37 and 38 reference this period and time. The prophet Ezekiel foresees a time when two enemies of God will rise up and try to destroy Him. Ezekiel describes them as “Gog and Magog.” Who is this? Bible scholars seem to think this is a description of modern day Iran or Russia. The truth is, however, no one knows for sure. This is probably best understood as the “enemies of God.” We best leave it there. As Zechariah 12:3-4 describes, though, these same enemies will be destroyed and rendered ineffective and useless.
Here’s the key point - God reigns from Heaven. He is the God of “now,” as well as He is the God of “then.” It’s easy to be swept up in the fervor and emotion of trying to figure out the end of time. I suspect there is a place for that in today’s church, but the overarching plea is to be ready ourselves! The “End Times” are written in code, so the church would not dwell on them. Believe them? Yes, but, also to be content with the mystery. Let the mystery build within you. Study it. Read it. Don’t get too caught up in one particular sign or lack there of, however. Take a breath. We know how this story ends.
It’s easy to get upset, become worried, and give up. Jesus warns us of this in Luke 21:18 (just before beginning His sermon on the End Times) as He said, “But not a hair on your head shall be lost.” In other words, during these times, even when worse gets worse, know you are protected and sealed by a loving, all-knowing God. We must also obey God and His directions. Psalm 122:6 instructs all to, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Have faith in Zechariah 12, which presents Israel’s ultimate deliverance and salvation and the utter destruction of the enemies of God. We solely echo the prayer of John, who closes the inspired Cannon of Scripture with these words, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”