There is conflict in the world today. Russia is waging a war in Ukraine.
Where is all this conflict heading? What is coming next? World tensions are rising. The world senses that something BIG is on the horizon. But just what that is, who can guess? Wars and rumors of wars circulate. Viruses sweep the world. Famine and rising prices threaten our very way of life. What will come next?
Iranian missiles recently struck near a US consulate in Iraq. China keeps threatening to take over surrounding countries like Taiwan, perhaps following in the footsteps of Russia's conquest of Ukraine. Political corruption runs deep, and there are lies on every side. Who are we supposed to believe?
With all of these things going on in the world, people are wondering what will come next? Some are deeply concerned and troubled. The Bible warns that troubles in the last days will frighten some even to death. Certainly it will not be for the weak of heart or those without a hopeful perspective or outlook.
"Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:26).
But let me tell you that Christians should be the most hopeful and happy people in the world in spite of all the troubles that come!
"Be careful [i.e. anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
We should be of good cheer! We should have peace! Jesus affords this, and we need to let the world know about Him!
What does Revelation say is coming?
"And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads" (Revelation 7:1-3).
After God's children are sealed, the most terrible storm will break out upon this earth!
The "wars and rumors of wars" that we see in the world today are only considered "the beginning of sorrows" by Jesus (Matthew 24:6-8).
Jesus tells us that after we see the beginning of sorrows, next we will see the following:
- Persecution arises towards the righteous.
- It begins as a little time of trouble, with political laws of a religious nature, attacking God's law and God's people. The trouble starts small but then grows.
- There is a "shaking" among God's people as the truth is preached, as love grows cold, and as sin abounds. Many lights go out. Others come in to take their place.
- The true gospel of Jesus Christ goes to all the world, proclaiming His message loud and clear. All nations hear this message, and make their decisions either for or against.
- God's faithful people are sealed during this time with the seal of God (Rev. 7:3), in their forehead. The wicked are then finally marked with the mark of the beast (Rev. 13), in their forehead or hand.
- The time of trouble such as never was - the great time of trouble - breaks out upon earth. God shortens it because no flesh would survive if He did not. When the wicked have fully rejected God's Spirit and His truth, nothing more can prevent them from the most terrible ruin.
Most all of this is described in Matthew 24 by Jesus. Additional details come from Revelation.
It doesn't sound good at all. But, the good news, the great news is the peace that Jesus gives us. The protection that He offers us.
How can we prepare for what is coming, as the world itself launches into troubles untold?
Jesus tells us:
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:34-36).
He points out that we must:
- Be cautious to not fall spiritually asleep.
- Be cautious to not be engrossed with the things of this world and life.
- Be cautious to not be blindsided by all this, because it will ensnare the entire world.
- Watch the scriptures, the prophecies, the signs of the times, and watch for Jesus to come!
- Pray always - live a life of devotion and love for Jesus, appealing for His help and power to save us. Be dependent upon God. Trust in God.
- Be ready to stand by the power of Jesus Christ, when He comes, walking in Him.
In 1937 times were tough, but not as bad as they could be. Dust Bowl storms were happening and the Mississippi river was flooding, but other than that, not too bad. Although, there was a notable ruler in the small European country of Germany who had begun to rule from 1933, and had been gaining a bit of attention.
In 1938 however, things got worse. This notable man, this commanding ruler began a military march into Austria [the country of his birth]. He decided to overtake this neighboring country who was unique and free, and yet somehow related. As things progressed, Hitler began slaughtering Jews, their homes and way of life, and sending them to concentration camps. He controlled the media and told the German people what they should believe about the world, and that he was doing good for them.
By 1939, this action had led to the second world war (WWII). It had begun. All of it had escalated from Hitler's invasion of his neighboring country. The US tried to stay out of it as long as possible, but by 1941 they were brought into the war by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7. When all was said and done, millions of lives were lost in battles, and the world's first A-bomb attack had rattled the world as the US silenced Japanese aggression, brought an unconditional surrender, and the war wrapped up to an end.
It all started small with two countries and one rogue leader. But it swelled into a massive conflict.
All these "wars and rumors of wars" are just "the beginning of sorrows" Jesus says. Bigger troubles are coming just ahead of us. There is a battle for the earth, a battle for your soul. Secular and religious powers will unite, under political corruption and spiritual compromise. They will see a supposed road to peace. However, a road without Jesus and faithfulness to Him can NEVER bring peace!
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12).
"I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. 20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked" (Isaiah 57:19-21).
Jesus invites us to look at the signs around us, and to look to Him in prayer. Jesus wants us to experience peace by coming to Him. The world will not have peace. Her troubles are getting worse. She has reached the "beginning of sorrows" and her trouble will not cease. It will continue to worsen, until finally, in united rebellion against God, the world lashes out against God's people, and then collides smack into Jesus at His Second Coming, reaping the ultimate destruction of all evil forces, and the ushering in of God's peaceful 1000 years, and then eternity!
I'm looking forward to that grand eternity with Jesus! Aren't you?
Let's give our hearts fully to Jesus. Shall we not? There is a battle for the earth and a battle for your soul. But in the end this earth belongs to Jesus. He is the winner of it all! The rightful owner. Let's surrender our lives into His hands. Let's forsake this wicked world and sin. Let's prepare spiritually for what is coming upon the world as an overwhelming surprise to them. Let's help to warn them before it all comes down. Let's be a part of the faithful in Jesus who "endure unto the end" (Matthew 24:13).
Will you draw nearer to Jesus today and take your stand with Him? Watch and pray. Follow our Lord.
Blessings and prayers in Christ,
Your Friend,
Ben Burkhardt