WHEN WE look around us, the signs of Jesus’ pending return seem to be everywhere. In Matthew 24, Jesus spoke about some of the signs we’re to be looking for. They include natural disasters, international conflict, increased apostasy, and a significant increase in godlessness. Though these have always existed, there has been a marked upward shift in recent decades. The first sign Jesus spoke of was that, “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” Matthew 24:7 (NIV). According to one report, in 1970 there were 78 natural disasters. In 2004 this number jumped to 348. Significant earthquakes have risen by 450 per cent since 1900, and in recent times there have been floods and various types of unprecedented disasters on every continent. These have affected rich and poor countries alike, none have been exempt.
In Matthew 24:6-7 (NLT), Jesus also said that we, “… will hear of wars and threats of wars … 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” In our lifetime, the data shows that the number of armed conflicts is significantly higher than a decade ago. The truth is that we’re not hearing about all of it, in part because we’re limited by the media we get and also the fact that some conflicts are considered more “newsworthy” than others. International terrorism has increased significantly and the response to terrorism has caused mass killings and economic wars.
“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:10-13 (NIV).
During the end-times Jesus said that we will see a wholesale rejection and defection from God’s revelation, as more and more fall away and turn to the world’s values. Even here in Jamaica, the anti-Christian mentality is obviously growing. There has been a resurgence of witchcraft, even in the church, and things that the Bible states as ungodly are now widely celebrated. There’s clear disregard for the Word of God. We must, “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12 (NLT)
“…In the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.” 2 Timothy 3:1-3 (NIV).
There’s no doubt that narcissism, individualism, materialism, pluralism, pantheism, occultism, relativism, universalism, humanism, paganism, scepticism, rationalism and racism are all on the rise globally, and in our country.
The Barna Research Group in recent years released the results of a poll which shows that a new code of morality has replaced the code of Christianity in the United States culture. Europe has largely already done this.
Jesus warned in Matthew 24:37-39 that He will return when people are just doing ordinary things, going through life with a ‘whatever’ attitude. While Noah preached that a flood was coming, the people were eating and drinking and living their lives without any thought of coming judgment. This sounds much like our society today.
As Christians, our perspective should be to get ready and help others to get ready for Christ’s return.