Are These the End Times?
“Do you think we are living in the end times?”
This question, appropriate for the frightening time we live in, was posed to me last week. After much prayer and years of observing the signs of the times, my answer is, “Yes.”
Regardless of your belief about when the Lord will return, we each need hope. One thing is certain, no one knows the day or the hour. Here’s what we do know.
These Are the Signs of the Times
Israel, the land deeply loved by Jehovah, is front and center in understanding the signs of the times.
Before my birth, Jews who survived great oppression traveled to Israel.
When I was a toddler, on May 14, 1948, in only one day, Israel was reborn. (Is 66:8)
I was 21 during the Six-Day war in 1967 when Arab armies attacked to destroy Israel.
Instead, the Sovereign Lord allowed Israel to crush their enemies and reclaim Jerusalem.
I will never forget the Yom Kippur War in 1973 when Arab armies attacked. But God! He protected His people, causing tiny Israel to triumph.
Visiting Israel in 1980, I saw the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy with my own eyes – the desert was rejoicing and blossoming as the rose. (35:1)
Over the years, I’ve watched, sometimes with awe, as the Lord has orchestrated for Jews of the world to complete aliyah. “For I will bring them back to this land” (from all countries where He had exiled them). (Jeremiah 16:15)
God protected His people, causing tiny Israel to triumph.
How Will We Recognize it is the End?
Jesus said, “you will hear of wars and rumors of wars… but the end is not yet.” He spoke of famines, pestilences, many earthquakes, persecution of Christians, and lawlessness. Some happened in the past; today, natural disasters are constantly in the news.
It’s important to note Jesus said, “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Mat 24:14).
It’s true the gospel has gone out across the world. But this prophecy remains unfulfilled.
According to Wycliffe, at least 3,883 languages have no Scripture.
Willis Ott of Missio Nexus says, “at least 1.3 billion people still do not have a translation of the complete Bible in the language they speak best.”
“this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Mat 24:14).
Trouble and Woe Don’t Have the Last Say
I could list fulfilled prophecies and historical facts about Israel, along with prophecies spoken of by Daniel.
Daniel was a righteous man; God gave him visions of the end times. As we study the book of Daniel alongside history, we know many events occurred; some remain unfulfilled, including the rise of a kingdom with the false Messiah reigning.
What’s the point?
The word apocalypse is on people’s tongues – there is a sense of history moving towards a violent culmination of history. Ezekiel 39 may be prophesying a nuclear war. With the horrid war in Ukraine, this is a real possibility.
The Majesty of God Gives Us Hope
Have you read the book of Daniel lately?
I find myself arrested by the 7th chapter. In Daniel’s night visions, he watched as thrones were cast down (or set in place) and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His garment was white as snow, the hair of His head like pure wool; his throne was ablaze with fiery flames; its wheels as burning fire.
Can you picture the majesty of God?
Imagine the hush; everyone holds their breath as the Ancient of Days takes his seat upon his throne. “A river of fire flowed out from his presence. Thousands upon thousands served Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.”
The Source of Hope
I love this next part of his vision. Daniel says, “Behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and was presented before Him.”
Isn’t that beautiful? Israel will recognize her Messiah, and He will begin His reign.
“To Him was given dominion, and glory, and a kingdom; so those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom will not be destroyed.”
The day will come when history as we know it will end with a transference of kingdoms, from the physical to the eternal.
“To Him was given dominion, and glory, and a kingdom; so those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom will not be destroyed.”
There is Hope
Evil days are upon us. We can hide our heads in the sand or we can prepare for the future.
Do you talk to yourself? It is actually a wise thing to do.
David went through difficult days and became discouraged. Listen in as David talks to himself. “Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God” (Psa 40:5; 42:11).
No matter what happens, you and I have a strong hope because God is faithful. He calls you to place your hope – not in your circumstances, not your success or power, not even in peace – but in the Lord.
Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. (Psa 130: 7)
Great analysis… Insight… And wisdom…
Thank you, Fred, for your kind words.
We serve a good God. Let us stand strong in the power of His might, and take courage, for, despite the great evil taking place, our Beloved Mesach shall return. The wonderful day will come when “the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” as promised in Habakkuk 2:14.
Until then, may His glorious name be proclaimed to every kindred, tribe, tongue, and people group.
Be blessed!
Barbara