Isaiah 65:17-25; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18; Luke 21:5-19
Introduction
The occurrences of our time raise more questions than can be answered. The world is on a downward slide marked by political, economic, social, and religious tension, natural disasters, and outbreaks of pandemic diseases. Each day, I see some committed Christians drifting and falling away from the faith. What is happening to us? Are these things part of Biblical signs of the end time?
The study of the end times, 'Eschatology,' has been one major Christian doctrine that has been in contention for critics over the centuries.
These debates even cause Christians to be confused about whether the end will actually come, just as the disciples asked Jesus in Matthew 24:3. Our reflection reminds me of a Nigerian movie, "Will Jesus Come?" which is full of skepticism. We do hear questions like, "How can a loving and forgiving God destroy His beautiful creation?", "If Jesus will come, why this long?" "How long does it take to prepare a place as God for humanity?" and many more.
Precious one, there is no doubt when I say we are much closer to the 'Rapture' than ever before on earth. Even as we approach the end of days, we can still find hope for our glorification in God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The Beginning of the End
It was never part of God's plan of creation to begin and anticipate the end time as we see today. God planned to create an endless fellowship with His creation, including humanity. His regular visit to the man in the Garden of Eden in the cool of the day supports this (Gen. 3:8). Sin, as described in Genesis 3, altered the entire plan of creation to institute an end time.
God then made a plan to redeem humanity and established a new creation to bring into action His original plan from the beginning. God says, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15), talking about the redeemer who will be the seed of the woman. This redeemer is revealed to be Jesus Christ. So the Advent, the second coming of Jesus Christ, will bring finality to this sinful earth; "The End of Time."
Isaiah prophesied, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy." (Isaiah 65:17-18)
And finally, the gathering of the redeemed of the Lord, that is, the rapture or the end of time, will come. "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
I quote Karl Barth, “The Christian life is lived between the times, between Christ’s resurrection and His return." This means we are people who live within this broken, dark world, yet with keen anticipation of the promised future.
A Vision Worth Longing For
Through Prophet Isaiah, God gives us a vision, a picture of what the world will look like after the end times.
“Behold, I am creating new heavens and a new earth” (Isa. 65:17)
I take particular notice of God not saying, “I will repair,” “I will improve,” or “I will adjust.”
He says, "I will create." In restoring God's original intent for His creation, He says, "See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." (Isaiah 65:17). A vision of a perfect heaven and earth with God's righteousness in reign.
In the pictorial description from Isaiah, no more death of infants or people dying young. A long life beyond 100 years, full flourishing moments. Handy work will be enjoyed without frustration. Enemies will turn into peaceful companions. The wolf and the lamb will be grazing together. "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24)
This is not escapism, this is eschatology. How do you long for this vision to come to pass?
Precious one, when we lose hope, we shrink our imagination. When we see God’s promised future, we grow in strength and expand our courage.
Signs of the End Time
On Mount of Olives, Jesus stated that “...about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36). With our unsettled desire to know the end, many prophecies are casting shadows of the end time. Jesus tells us "And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14). Precious one, even as I discuss with you the signs of the end time, have this quote in mind, "No one knows the end... but only the Father."
However, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ outlined some signs to give the faithful hope for the glory of the end times. You will agree with me that these signs are much more evident in this generation than ever before. It is no longer prophecy to us but a fulfillment of prophecy.
1. Deception as a Sign
As the end draws near, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them." (Luke 21:8).
Many people are seeking messages that resonate with their desire to explore mysticism and cosmic understanding, as well as religious leaders who claim to have 'eyes' to see deeper things. Has the Scripture become so common and little that what we desire is no longer found in it?
Over-curiosity has led many into some spiritual adventure, making them more vulnerable and susceptible to the deception Jesus talked about.
Your spiritual consultations for life partners, child birth, jobs, financial breakthroughs, witches in your home, etc., end up putting upon you the yoke of the enemy.
As a pastor of God's flock, I am aware that deception is one major threat to the Church today, but it is nothing new. Before King Josiah ascended the throne at the age of 8, the priests, God's own chosen representatives to the people of Israel, had set up altars for Baal and Asherah (gods) inside the Temple of God (2 Kings 23-24). And the people willingly worshipped the idols. One thing was that they did not stop worshipping God, but treated God as one of their gods. This act of syncretism is so common in our day; be cautious.
Do not be deceived into being idle in wait for the end of time, Paul says, "We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12). In anticipation of the end time, we must continue working until the day catches up to us.
N.T. Wright says, “The Christian response to the coming kingdom is not withdrawal from daily life but renewed immersion in it.”
2. Destructive Wars among Nations as a Sign
Jesus pointed to another sign saying, "When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” (Luke 21:9)
Many countries today can be said to be enjoying peace. But there are intra-war and inter-war zones being built among nations today. The ongoing Russia and Ukraine war, the Israel and Iran war, and their effects on the global economy are evident to us. It has been reported that 50% of all scientific research today involves arms, bombs, and weapons of mass destruction etc.
Remember what Jesus said, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." (Luke 21:10)
I am not a prophet of doom, but I can sense the escalation of conflicts for political gains and economic freedom, border skirmishes, racial battles, and wars among nations all over the globe. In all that, "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." (Revelation 2:10).
3. Devastations as a Sign
Along with deception and disputes is devastation. Jesus warned again, "There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven." (Luke 21:11).
The current economic situation, the high cost of living, is evidence to us. We see people killing for ritual money day in and day out. At the peak of the COVID-19, some preachers connected it to 5G in telecommunications and gave unusual interpretations of certain verses in the Book of Revelation. All pointing to the end of time.
In fact, COVID-19 has taught us how vulnerable we are globally to natural and artificial devastation. We have faced outbreaks of yellow fever, Nipah virus, meningitis, and so on. We are told how malaria and Superbugs are developing high resistance. The less said about earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods, and global warming, the better. All these devastating trends are signs that point us to the end of time.
4. Delivered into Tribulations
“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name." (Luke 21:12)
We are seeing evidence today. Christianity is always attacked, not only from outside but within as well. Faithful Christians in companies are being framed and pushed away, those in businesses are not given contracts because they are not ready to inflate costs, prices, etc. Armed men storms into a church to open fire on worshippers, killing every one of them. Consider the attacks on Christian brethren in Nigeria.
Currently, in all sectors of our lives, anyone who speaks about societal ills is targeted and insulted in the media, especially on social media. We are delivered to worldly public trials and tribulations on account of our faith. But in Matthew 24:6, Jesus tells us, "See to it that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass."
The Faithful Will Win Life
Hearing these as children of God may sound more like bad news than good news. But Jesus is not trying to terrify us. He is preparing us for the end time so that we do not grow weary but rather become stronger.
Like a doctor who doesn’t hide the diagnosis from the patient, Jesus says, “And so you will bear testimony to me." (Luke 21:13). Jesus teaches us faith, not fear, as the end approach.
Three promises Jesus offers us when the 'eschatos' signs begin;
1. "For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." (Luke 21:15).
2. "But not a hair of your head will perish." (Luke 21:18)
3. "Stand firm, and you will win life." (Luke 21:19)
Signs of the end time must bring hope-filled imagination, faithful Christian life, and courageous endurance.
Conclusion
Let us agree with Apostle Paul as we experience these signs of the end time in its proper context, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). To it, we are all yearning to be with the Lord, as we shout, "Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!" AMEN!
Read the article below for a clearer understanding of the End Time.
SHALOM ALEIKHEM...
