The Signs of the Times

I remember during the Gulf War, many pastors preached on prophecy. It seemed like we could be at the end of time. I’ve learned that times of war tend to do that. Because we feel unsettled, many Christians feel like the end must be near. When World War I broke out, Christian leader C.I. Scofield speculated that it was the start of Armageddon. Many Christians said the same thing during World War II. This was repeated during Israel’s 6-day war. And now with all the conflict in the Middle East, many preach about Babylon, the second coming of Christ, and the battle of Armageddon.

I have mixed feelings about this trend. On one hand I think it’s good to look forward to Jesus’ second coming. It’s good to live our life in light of that hope. On the other hand, living our life too far into the future can lead us to neglect life in the now. And when our ‘predictions’ are wrong, we look like a fool in the eyes of a critical world.

So it with caution that we look at Mark 13. Mark 13 records what is called Jesus’ Olivet Discourse. It is by far the most difficult passage in the book of Mark. Along with its parallels in the other Gospels, it is one of the most difficult texts in the New Testament because of its prophetic language and because of the nature of prophecy itself (multiple fulfillments culminating in a final fulfillment).

Following a discussion about the destruction of the Temple (Mark 13:1-4), Jesus shares some signs to the end of time (Mark 13:5-13). Yet, rather than giving details about the future, Jesus is more interested in preparing His people. So, I will do the same.

Jesus warns us not to panic as the end nears. The signs of the times He gives have been happening through the centuries. Yet, like labor pains of a pregnant woman, as the end gets closer, these events will occur more often and strengthen in intensity.

Jesus lists three categories of events:

1. Religious cultism, such as false prophets who claim the authority and power of Christ’s name for their predictions. This is a natural result of man’s search for meaning outside of God’s will and Word.
2. Social upheavals, such as wars and rumors of wars. These are natural to human nature that is ruled by self-interest.
3. Physical catastrophes, such as earthquakes and famine. These follow the imbalances of natural law in the precarious ecological system of the universe.

Jesus mentions 5 things that will happen as the time draws near to the end:

(1) Persecution by the Religious. It is estimated that 60% of those who profess Christ are under persecution. It is estimated that more Christians, worldwide, have been martyred for the cause of Christ in the last century than in all the previous 19 centuries put together.

(2) Witness to the Gentiles. In spite of persecution and possibly because of persecution, the gospel is being spread. ‘First’ is not a declaration of chronology but of priority. Preaching the gospel is more important than securing one’s own safety. The Gospel is the priority.

(3) Filling of the Spirit. Not if the disciples would go on trial, but when they go, they are not to worry about defending themselves. The Holy Spirit would give them God’s peace and the words to say. Jesus is not referring to preaching, but to defenses before councils and governors.

(4) Betrayal by Families. Persecution and pressure can be so bad, that families will turn against each other.

(5) Hatred from the Public. Christians will be hated by all people. Have you noticed that people today are tolerant of about every belief system but Christianity. When you stand up for Bible truth or the exclusiveness of the Gospel, you are labeled an arrogant bigot.

So, what is the Christian response as the end of days comes closer?

1. Don’t be Afraid. Just as false teachers come and go, so do worldly crises. Even when the world’s situation gets worse, God is in control. It is as if Jesus were saying, ‘The worst possible thing you can imagine will happen and will be repeated many times. But when it happens, don’t be afraid, don’t assume this is the end, don’t follow false prophets.

2. Stay on Mission. Both apostles and later disciples were not to escape into apocalyptic fervor nor become passive observers of the final events. Our calling is to be faithful witnesses to Jesus and the rule of God throughout the difficult series of events God brings into being.

3. Guard Yourself. In verse 9, Jesus shifts from a large, global viewpoint to the personal situation of the disciples. The disciples must have been rocked to their roots to hear all the warnings of Jesus. So, he encourages them not to fall away under the pressure and persecution.

We live in exciting times. Is this the ‘end of days’? I don’t know. But I know that during times of turmoil and terror people are more open to the good news of Jesus Christ. As we watch war and terror broadcast into our homes, many people feel the world is out of control. But we have a message of hope that’s real. It’s a message that’s anchored in God. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, “all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.”

You can read some of my other articles about the future: 3 Signs of the End Times, What Will Happen Next?, Will You Be Left Behind.