When the Disciples asked Jesus what would be the signs of His coming and the end of the age, one of the predominate signs was “wars and rumors of wars”. Mark 13:7 tells us Jesus’ response: “When you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”
And again in Matthew 24:6 : “And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you are not trouble, for these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” The Lord is telling us of one of the conditions of the world near the end times. He is also telling us that it is not the end but the beginning of the end in Matthew 24:8: “all these things are the beginning of the birth pangs.” Most importantly the lord tells us “do not be alarmed”, and, “see that you are not troubled.”
What we are seeing in the world today should not be shocking to us. Yet, there are so many believers that are in the state of fear. This is not what the Lord intended in giving us these signs! The Lord tells us two important things when these times come upon us. Regarding letting fear take over us He says in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” If the Lord has not given us the ‘spirit of fear’, then where does this fear come from? From the enemy; from not understanding the Word of God; from identifying with an unbelieving world and culture; but most importantly, a loss of trust and faith in the Lord. Secondly, the Lord tells us to hear His Word and be at peace in it. Luke 21:28 tells us exactly what our state of mind should be at this time: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” War is not desirable. It brings death, suffering, disease, and starvation, among other things. Most sane people do not want war! But the Lord tells us that this MUST occur. So we should not be shocked, dismayed, or fearful. He tells us to, in essence, to be joyful and at peace because of what we are all striving for is at hand. The arrival of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lord’s! Since there is, and will be, fear and a lacking of the understanding of the Word of God in this, we should be ministering to each other the end result which is our great hope. To encourage standing strong is His Word and not let fear and the lack of understand overcome us. To not loose hope, trust, and faith in the Lord.
There has always been war in the history of man, and it will continue. But the intensity, and frequency of wars have greatly increased. Wars and rumors of wars are not in themselves reliable predictors of the end times, but in conjunction with all the other signs, they are ushering in the end of days. These other sins include (Matthew 24:7) famines, pestilence, and earthquakes in diverse places. (Matthew 24:9) persecution, (Matthew 24:10) apostasy, (Matthew 24:11) false prophets, (Matthew 24:5) False Christ’s. Are we seeing an increased frequency in these things today happening simultaneously all over the word? Yes, I believe so.
So what should be our state of mind during this time? One of understanding, and seeking God’s Word on these things. NOT the world’s views. Holding in our hearts the great hope of what our faith is all about. Standing strong in His Word and not be shakened. Trusting and haveing faith in the Lord and all that He has told us. We should be ministering His truths to one another and edifying His church. But mostly, going forth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of many.
I have been led to write this because I have seen so much fear in this among our brothers and sisters. And our Lord does not desire fear, but peace. (Philippians 4:7) “And the peace that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” So when we see these things beginning, let us remind and exhort one another in His Word. That these things MUST come to pass, and they will because the Lord has told us so. To stand strong and be in His peace. (Luke 21:36) "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man". And remember to “lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” And wait with the great hope of our Lord’s return.
God bless you all. I pray for the peace of the Lord to be poured out upon you all without measure.
Your comments are always welcomed and encouraged.
Psalm 34:3 "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." (KJV)