These Last Days

II Timothy 3:1 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."

Matthew 24:7 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences and earthquakes, in divers places."

Luke 21:25-28 "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;  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.   And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.   And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

As I write this post, I have been reading alarming news articles from news outlets worldwide. As of this writing, Israel has been battling wildfires on the outskirts of Jerusalem, started likely by incendiary balloons launched by terrorists. Iran is reportedly within two months of obtaining a nuclear bomb. The Russian military conducts operations about an hour from Syria's border with Israel, only a two-hour drive from Megiddo. Russia is attempting to persuade Iranian-backed militia members to surrender without reprisals. The Palestinian Islamic Fatwa Council is accusing Israel of weakening the foundation of the al-Aqsa Mosque through archaeological exploration nearby, the renovations of the Western Wall, and the acquisition and development of nearby land. The Council accuses Israel of planning to destroy al-Aqsa to rebuild the Third Temple on the Holy Site of Solomon's Temple.

The US Geological Survey reports the world has experienced 2,407 earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or greater in the past month.  Of course, we continue to pray for Haiti, which lost over 2,000 souls during the August 14th earthquake.  They are suffering unimaginable hardship. There have been numerous tsunami warnings issued because of these earthquakes.  Furthermore, this summer, the world has experienced unprecedented droughts.  The only continent spared this affliction is Antarctica.

Other news articles feature the chaotic events in Afghanistan as the United States and its allies feverishly work to evacuate civilians from a war zone and terrorist haven. Several reports from various news outlets refer to the "end of the American Empire." Many of these outlets point back to a meeting between US President Biden and Russian leader Putin. Putin told Biden to get America out of Central Asia because Russia was taking over that region of the world. Russia announced the rebuilding of its navy. Furthermore, Russia and China have announced joint naval exercises in the Persian Gulf. The political world is turning upside down.

Of course, Covid-19 and the Delta variant are still infecting people at a record pace. Around America, hospitals are filling with more sick patients. People are living with the torment of fear and an incredible lack of courage. With a rise in Covid cases, there is the possibility of more lockdowns and unemployment. Every day is fraught with uncertainty.

Welcome to the last days.  

My concern is the Church seems unprepared for these times. Have pastors prepared their flocks for these moments? Are Christians walking closely with God and seeking His guidance for these trials? Are we leaning upon God enough so we are not frightened by the turmoil? Instead, do our lives reflect our faithful obedience to God and shine the light of Christ's love in the darkest hour of humanity?

II Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

We are witnessing the final hour of the Church. Christ is coming for His bride. Is she ready? Is she pure and holy? Does her countenance reflect the joy of seeing her Savior? These days are our last days to be witnesses for God. When other people look at us, what do they see? Is it fear, worry, anxiety? Do we project quiet confidence in our Lord and Savior? Does our faith in God and hope for tomorrow shine forth amidst the turmoil and chaos of today?

In the last days, the pain, suffering, anguish, and death will get worse. We must prepare ourselves for the new normal. For too long, we have enjoyed the comfort and ease of life created by the advancements in technology and innovation. We have forsaken our devotion to God and replaced it with enjoyment, comfort, and relaxation. Satan has coddled the Church to sleep with materialism, entertainment, immorality, and iniquity. We have not prepared our hearts for the days ahead.

Our worship services should reflect the jubilation of a bride on her wedding day. Soon, we will be caught away to be with our Savior! We should live with anticipation, not anxiety. Worship should replace worry. Our love for God and neighbor can warm the coldest of hearts. Rather than being consumed with fear, our lives should shine in the freedom of knowing we do not belong in this mess. We are witnessing the end of life as we have known it. We are on the verge of tasting the newness of eternal life in our glorified bodies.  

Christ suffered and died to give us this opportunity. Since the Ascension, Jesus is preparing a special place for us to live. There is nothing on this earth equal to the majesty of heaven, nothing except souls. We have become too wrapped up in things and possessions. The only part of this earth we can take with us is our souls. Not one ounce of our possessions will enter heaven. Only the lives we have touched for Christ will be able to remain for eternity. We have everything to gain and nothing to lose.  

In these last days, make them your best days for Christ. Be encouraged in the Lord. Find strength in Scripture. Cling to hope in prayer. Experience the light of God's love and grace amid this dark and evil world. Listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance daily. Finally, share Jesus with others. May our lives be living testimonies of Christ's love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness for others to follow. Eternity is on the horizon. Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is coming soon. Maranatha!