The Signs of the Times: A Biblical Perspective on the Current World Events
The world is changing rapidly and dramatically. We are witnessing unprecedented events that are shaking the foundations of society, culture, and religion.
What does the Bible say about these things? How can we understand the times we are living in and prepare for what is to come?
The Bible prophesied that before the return of Jesus Christ, there would be a period of great tribulation and distress on the earth.
Jesus Himself described some of the signs that would mark this time in Matthew 24. He said that there would be wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
He also said that there would be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. He warned that His followers would face persecution, betrayal, and hatred from all nations.
He said that many false prophets would arise and deceive many people. He said that lawlessness would increase and the love of many would grow cold.
He said that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end would come.
These signs are clearly evident in our generation. We see conflicts and violence erupting all over the world, involving different ethnic groups, religious groups, political groups, and ideological groups.
We see natural disasters occurring with greater frequency and intensity, causing widespread suffering and devastation.
We see Christians being persecuted for their faith in many countries, facing discrimination, oppression, imprisonment, torture, and even death.
We see false teachers and false religions spreading their lies and leading many astray from the truth.
We see moral decay and spiritual apathy increasing in society, as people reject God’s laws and pursue their own selfish desires.
We see the gospel being proclaimed to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people, through various means of communication and technology.
These things should not surprise us or frighten us, but rather alert us and awaken us to the reality of the times we are living in.
They should motivate us to seek God more earnestly, to live more faithfully, to love more fervently, and to share more boldly.
They should remind us that our hope is not in this world, but in the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead, and who will establish His everlasting kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy.
As we see the signs of the times unfolding before our eyes, let us not be ignorant or indifferent, but let us be watchful and prayerful.
Let us not be fearful or anxious, but let us be confident and courageous. Let us not be complacent or careless, but let us be diligent and faithful.
Let us not be deceived or distracted, but let us be discerning and focused. Let us not be hopeless or helpless, but let us be hopeful and helpful.
Let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:42-44: “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
