What IS going to happen?
Are you feeling hopeful? Trump meets with Putin in Alaska. Russia and Ukraine engage in the latest endless war. The middle east is filled with change and uncertainty – wars and rumors of wars. AI is unfolding exponentially. The assault on family design is bringing about “crazy” things in and around our homes. Political environments in many countries are in turmoil. Power grabs and oppression are flowing downhill with increasing velocity. All of this leads to conjecture about how long the human story can be sustained.
There are several places to consult if you wish to know what God thinks about events surrounding the end. Ezekiel brings insight in chapters 37-39. The book of Daniel is helpful and is linked deeply into the events of Revelation. Perhaps the most direct insights come from the words of God’s Son Himself in Matthew 24. It does seem that Jesus would have the inside track on what His Father is doing, right?
Before we take a look at what Jesus says about the end we would like to make a sheltering point. God has this. God has us. When we believe in Jesus we are covered. Boom. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8) Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.” Revelation 21:6
According to Jesus there are the things for which He says we must be watchful (ready).
√ The Temple will come down (vs. 1-2). This has already occurred. It will be rebuilt quickly. Preparations are already made!
√ False deliverers will emerge (vs. 4-6). This is occurring in government, education, medicine, media, pop culture, and religion – ramping up at an alarming rate. We like to think we are gods.
√ Wars, rumors of wars, nation conflicts, famines, and earthquakes will signal the sure rebirth of the earth (vs. 6-8). This is easy to search and update!
√ There will be troubles, persecution of Jesus followers, falling away and spiritual coldness, and betrayal accompanied by false prophets (vs. 9-14). What a spiritual opportunity for living a God-life!
√ The abomination of desolation will occur at the Temple site in Jerusalem and “great tribulation” will unfold. This is one reason to watch Israel and Jerusalem so closely (vs. 15-28).
√ Then the end will come (vs. 29-31). We are to recognize these things (vs. 33), be alert (vs. 42) and be ready (vs. 44). Chapter 25 then sums up Jesus’ remaining thoughts.
However these things unfold in real time remember and know:
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30
What is going to happen? What will it mean to me? So cool to know the how and the Who. We are under His wings!
