We are definitely living in prophetic times, but perhaps not the “times” some are thinking. There are a lot of headlines that appear much the same each day during this pandemic. We see the Democrats and the media blaming President Trump, conservatives, Republicans, and Christians for the spread of COVID-19 and its subsequent deaths. Conspiracy theories abound about microchipping, tracking individuals, using the virus to expand 5G, government takeover of businesses, and so on. As Christ said in Luke 21:8-9, “Take heed that you be not deceived, but when you shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.”
In both Matthew 24 and Luke 21 are chronological accounts of the times leading up to the return of Christ. Christ warns in Luke 21:34-36, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with overindulgence, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day comes upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” In other words, we have a lot to endure before Christ returns and we need to be circumspect, and watching and praying as these events occur.
There are a few things that we can discern with this COVID-19 plague. Every generation has had their test. And every generation could point to the beginning of the end. What is different today is that God’s timepiece, Israel, has been reborn as a nation. This gives us a heads up that we are far closer to the return of Christ than at any other time in history. We also see that there are rumors, pestilences, wars, confusion, and commotion leading up to his return. From the account of the Olivet Discourse in Luke, we also see that those who overindulge in the worldly things can be unaware and caught in the snare of these events. In other words, they may not survive. Wisdom, prayer, being aware of the times are critical to escaping “these things that shall come to pass.” How are we to face these kinds of life-changing disruptions?
Work on getting fit—both physically and spiritually. Don’t overindulge in the worldly things—food, drink, news, conspiracies, rumors, gossip. Focus your mind on prayer and understanding that you may be wise in your actions and deeds. Fear and confusion are not of the Lord. Christ said to not be terrified when you see these things. Don’t be carried away by the doctrines of fools—they may lead you to calamity or an early death. Read your Bible. Ask for understanding. Draw close to the Lord. Share the light of Christ with others who are fearful and confused about the future. Know your faith no matter how dark the world becomes for as Christ said, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
