Is it near?

Thinking about the end of the world this week. Actually, it seems I trip over that subject more often these days. The tenor of the news doesn't seem to help. I read through Matthew 24, where Jesus responded to the questions of his disciples about what would be the signs of the end of the age. There are many different opinions about the end of the world, but I still think that we can take a few valid points away from this passage, independent of your particular brand of eschatology.

First, we are warned to give no heed to those who claim "Christ is here" or "Christ is there". In v 30 he says, "At that time...they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds...". So, it will be evident to all, you won't need anyone else to tell you that Jesus is here.

Second, Jesus confirms the validity of the prophecies of Daniel in v 15. There are many opinions about the book of Daniel, but I'll stick with Jesus on this one. As another point, the Apostle Paul also refers to the coming "lawless one" in 2 Thessalonians. I might have more to say about this subject in a later post, but not right now.

Third, we are to be faithful to His calling. We must not think we can delay our obligations just because we don't think he is coming anytime soon.

Fourth, the time may be unknowable, but we should be able to recognize the season. There will be signs.

As for recognizing the season, the signs of the times, I think there are abundant reasons to say that the time of His appearing draws near. What is near? 2 years? 10 years? 50 years? I don't know, but I can't see it being 50, probably much close to 10. Why do I say that? Think about the power that now exists to destroy. This is unique in history. At no other time has it been so easy to achieve the destruction of all life. The religious and racial hatred has been with us from time immemorial, but not the means to destroy. And the geopolitical forces currently in play will not allow a significant pause in conflict. The Muslim world is growing larger every day, the "Christian" West is in decline. The godless Chinese are wanting to take the leading role in the world economy. And Russia is not ready to become a footnote of history. And then there is Iran. Is it so difficult to imagine an alignment of Russia and Iran that gets hostile against Israel?

And Israel is the key. I cannot imagine God allowing that nation to be destroyed, yet the forces arrayed against it are poised to do just that (if their rhetoric is to be believed).

So I'm thinking we are in the season of the end. Watch world events very closely. Interpret them through the lens of scripture, and particularly with a view toward how things will affect Israel.