What is a surprise and unexpected to the world should be a no brainer for Christians. Aren’t we called to expect the unexpected?
The earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, China, and the recent volcanic irruption in Ice land could be classified as “Black Swan Events” They came as a total surprise to many, have a major impact on the world’s economy and can be rationalized. When we don’t find adequate reasons to these events we tend to blame it on “Global Warming” as the prime cause for these natural calamities. But is that really true? Or something more is happening that we are not paying attention to?
The recent catastrophic events, are they leading to the end of the world? Is the world coming to an end much sooner than we expect? For Christians when we hear the end of the world means Christ’s return. What does the Bible have to say about the Lord’s return? What are the signs we could expect to happen before the end of the world? Is there any date predicted in the Bible in regards to when Christ would return? How can believers be better prepared to face the challenge of unexpected events (by the world) and help others when they do happen?
In order to find answers to these questions and also to unfold the unexpected events, let’s turn to Matthew 24th Chapter.
I. THE SIGNS OF CHRIST’S RETURN: (Matt 24:1-14)
The first temple that was built by Solomon in Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C by King Nebuchadnezzar. Subsequently, after returning from the exile the Jews rebuilt the second temple in 515 B.C. The second temple was smaller than and inferior to Solomon’s temple, nevertheless it was a breath taking structure and was the pride of the Jewish race. Jesus’ disciples must have been taken a back when Jesus said, “not one stone here shall be left upon another.” In other words it was going to be destroyed.
It was unthinkable for them to even imagine that one day this humongous, massive structure would not be there. For them it must have been as if the end of the world was at hand. They wanted to settle the matter with Jesus once for all so they went up to the Mount of Olives and privately asked Jesus, saying, “Tell us when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age.” To that inquiry Jesus gave several signs to look for. One sign has already come through according to his predictions the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 A.D. If you turn the TV, and listen to the radio or read the news paper we see many of the signs mentioned in Matt 24 happening right in front of our eyes. The first sign:
The recent catastrophic events, are they leading to the end of the world? Is the world coming to an end much sooner than we expect? For Christians when we hear the end of the world means Christ’s return. What does the Bible have to say about the Lord’s return? What are the signs we could expect to happen before the end of the world? Is there any date predicted in the Bible in regards to when Christ would return? How can believers be better prepared to face the challenge of unexpected events (by the world) and help others when they do happen?
In order to find answers to these questions and also to unfold the unexpected events, let’s turn to Matthew 24th Chapter.
I. THE SIGNS OF CHRIST’S RETURN: (Matt 24:1-14)
The first temple that was built by Solomon in Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C by King Nebuchadnezzar. Subsequently, after returning from the exile the Jews rebuilt the second temple in 515 B.C. The second temple was smaller than and inferior to Solomon’s temple, nevertheless it was a breath taking structure and was the pride of the Jewish race. Jesus’ disciples must have been taken a back when Jesus said, “not one stone here shall be left upon another.” In other words it was going to be destroyed.
It was unthinkable for them to even imagine that one day this humongous, massive structure would not be there. For them it must have been as if the end of the world was at hand. They wanted to settle the matter with Jesus once for all so they went up to the Mount of Olives and privately asked Jesus, saying, “Tell us when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age.” To that inquiry Jesus gave several signs to look for. One sign has already come through according to his predictions the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 A.D. If you turn the TV, and listen to the radio or read the news paper we see many of the signs mentioned in Matt 24 happening right in front of our eyes. The first sign:
A. FALSE CHRISTS & FALSE PROPHETS: Vs 5 “For many will come in my name saying, “I am the Christ and will mislead many.” Vs 24, “they will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible even the elect.” Since this saying many have come and claimed to be the Christ. They performed great signs and wonders and made great promises. Unfortunately many gullible Christians have become victims to false teachings. We are forewarned in the Bible that there will be false prophets in the end times.
In recent times there have been at least 15 people who claimed to be Jesus. Here are a few names to consider. Charles Taze Russell the founder of Jehovah’s witnesses who denied the deity and the atonement of Christ and his return, Joseph Smith the founder of Mormons also known as “the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day saints” claimed to be the Lord’s anointed prophet. Sun Myung Moon, the founder of Unification Church also known as the Moonies, declared himself as the Messiah, Returning Lord David Koresh, the founder of Davidian religious sect. Jim Jones of Jonestown mass suicide thought he was “God of all things” The recent De Jesús from Puerto Rico also known as Jesus Christ Man and he currently lives in South Florida, claimed himself to be Jesus and Anti Christ. The list can go on.
The Apostle John gave a simple acid test to a congregation that was dealing with false prophets.1 John 4:1-3, “We must not believe every spirit, without testing it first whether they are from God or not.” Why? because, there are many false prophets in the world today. Whenever we hear some one claiming to be Jesus, or a prophet of God we must be careful, no matter how powerful they may appear they are false Christs and prophets. How do we know that they are false? Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist.” The second sign tells us that it is a time of strife, conflict at an international level in other words Wars.
B. WARS:( Strife or Conflicts): In the last 200 years our world has seen many significant wars. As we are talking there are several, from major to moderate wars raging. Here is a list of some of the deadliest wars in the 21st Century. Since the First World War there have been 35 million deaths as a result of war. Whether we like it or not almost every region of the earth is engaged in some sort of a war.
There is no guarantee for us to think that the nuclear non proliferation treaty (NPT) which was signed in 1968 would make the world peaceful. As long as certain countries like Iran and North Korea do not abide and threaten to use their nuclear arsenal there is an imminent threat and danger for all human life everywhere in the world. Paul tells the Thessalonians not to be fooled by the so called peace talks of political leaders. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 “While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” The third sign is earthquakes.
C. EARTH QUAKES: (Shaking of a storm at sea Mt 8:24)
Like never before in the history we are witnessing earthquakes in rapid speed as if the whole earth is shaking. Hebrews 12:26 “At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens?” Is God shaking the earth? Or are these earthquakes mere scientific phenomena as the scientists would like to explain them away? Interestingly these days earthquakes are happening in most UNEXPECTED places.
Like never before in the history we are witnessing earthquakes in rapid speed as if the whole earth is shaking. Hebrews 12:26 “At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens?” Is God shaking the earth? Or are these earthquakes mere scientific phenomena as the scientists would like to explain them away? Interestingly these days earthquakes are happening in most UNEXPECTED places.
I still remember waking up to terrible news in September 1993 where an entire village in India has wiped out to a 6.4 magnitude earthquake which killed 8,000 people and injured 30,000 people. The geologists still wonder as to what caused the earth quake there since India doesn’t lie on a plate boundary. The earth quake in Haiti has killed 222,570 people.
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. 100,000 of those can be felt, and 100 of them cause damage. So today somewhere an earth quake will occur!! The following slide gives us an idea of the increase in earth quakes in recent times.
Why do natural disasters take place? The scientists and the geologists can not give adequate answers. The only credible explanation is found in the Bible. Joel 2:10-11, “On the Day of the Lord, the army of God marches and the Lord thunders at the head of his army. Before them the earth shakes, the sky trembles, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine.”
Job was amazed at God’s wisdom and mighty power when he said, Job 9:4-8 “His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed? He moves mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in his anger. He shakes the earth from its place and makes its pillars tremble. He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars. He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.
Job was amazed at God’s wisdom and mighty power when he said, Job 9:4-8 “His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed? He moves mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in his anger. He shakes the earth from its place and makes its pillars tremble. He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars. He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.
Romans 8:22 “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Earthquakes remind us that man is not all that powerful. The fourth sign we need to be aware is Storms or Natural calamities.
D. STORMS, TSUNAMIES &VOLCANO ERUPTIONS:
Though there is no direct mention of storms, Tsunamis and volcanic eruptions as one of the end time signs, the Greek word sesmoi could imply to all the seismic activity. It was the same Greek word used for earthquake also used in Matthew 8:24 for a storm, “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.” Many came to hear the word Tsunami for the first time as a result of a massive earth quake which struck the western coast of Indonesia in December 2004. Study tells us since 1960 there have been three major earth quakes of 9.0 magnitude and all three of them caused Tsunamis. So there is a connection between earth quakes and storms. How about Volcano eruptions? Are they caused by earthquakes too? Interestingly, there is a connection between earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
D. STORMS, TSUNAMIES &VOLCANO ERUPTIONS:
Though there is no direct mention of storms, Tsunamis and volcanic eruptions as one of the end time signs, the Greek word sesmoi could imply to all the seismic activity. It was the same Greek word used for earthquake also used in Matthew 8:24 for a storm, “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.” Many came to hear the word Tsunami for the first time as a result of a massive earth quake which struck the western coast of Indonesia in December 2004. Study tells us since 1960 there have been three major earth quakes of 9.0 magnitude and all three of them caused Tsunamis. So there is a connection between earth quakes and storms. How about Volcano eruptions? Are they caused by earthquakes too? Interestingly, there is a connection between earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Could it be possible that the Iceland volcanic eruption was triggered by the recent earthquakes in Chile and China? Michael Reilly a Geologist and reporter notes, “After the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in China early April 14th 2010 morning, things are starting to look a little bleak on this planet of ours. This year is only three and a half months old, and yet there have been devastating earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, and China. Armageddon isn’t here, God isn't mad at us, and there are no aliens playing Jenga with Earth's tectonic plates.” Reilly may suggest that God is not mad at us but I tend to think that God’s patience might be running out. The fifth sign to look for is Famines in various places.
E. FAMINES: The Bible records some of the worst famines that mankind ever experienced. Since the line between famine and plenty depends mainly on the rains coming at the right time and in the proper supply famine was an ever present threat in Palestine. During a famine Abraham migrated to Egypt. During another famine God spared the lives of Jacob and his whole family through the clever management of resources by Joseph. It was during a famine Elijah was kept alive by the widow of Zarephath. There was a famine recorded in Acts 11:28 where we see how the disciples have helped out their brothers.
God often uses famine as a way of punishment.
Psalm 105:16 “He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food.” Ezekiel 14:21 "For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem my four dreadful judgments-- sword and famine and wild beasts and plague-- to kill its men and their animals.”
Psalm 105:16 “He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food.” Ezekiel 14:21 "For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem my four dreadful judgments-- sword and famine and wild beasts and plague-- to kill its men and their animals.”
Thankfully we don’t see many famines in the USA. However in the past 200 years we the world has seen some great famines like the Irish Potato Famines in 1740 and 1845 in Ireland. As you read many places in the world are experiencing famine. This will only get worse as the days go by. Nina Fedoroff, the US State department chief scientist is convinced that food shortages will be the biggest challenge facing the world as temperatures and population levels rise. She predicted that Famines will affect a billion people which will threaten global food security during the 21st century.”
When I see and hear about all these natural calamities I can not help but think of the Prophecy of Isaiah regarding the end times. Isaiah 24:17-21 “Terror and pit and snare await you, O people of the earth…The floodgates of the heavens are opened; the foundations of the earth shake. The earth is broken up, the earth is split asunder, and the earth is thoroughly shaken. The earth reels like a drunkard, it sways like a hut in the wind; so heavy upon it is the guilt of its rebellion that it falls-- never to rise again. In that day the LORD will punish the powers in the heavens above and the kings on the earth below.”
Scripture tells us that things will get worse before they get better. Jesus used the analogy of Child Birth to convey the intensity of the signs Vs 8 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.” During child birth the woman who is in labor initially has mild and infrequent contractions, but as the time approaches for the delivery the intensity and the frequency of contractions will increase. In the same way the terrible signs we are seeing today are only increase as the time goes by.
In conclusion let me read the words of Luke 21 from the Message (pg203) “Look at a fig tree. Any tree for that matter. When the leaves begin to show, one look tells you that the summer is right around the corner. The same here when you see these things happen, you know God’s kingdom is about here. Don’t brush this off: I’m not just saying this for some for future generation, but for this one too these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out. But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Let’s pay attention to these signs of the false prophets, wars, Storms and famines. There are some more signs and we will look at them next time. Amen
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