The Signs of the Times
"Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." —Luke 21:28
Hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and global terrorism! This epic outbreak of natural disasters in the past several years can't help but cause us to wonder, What on earth is happening?
Certainly, there has always been tragedy and cataclysmic events in our world. But these days it seems that a new crisis explodes just as another abates. Now we face the ripple effects of this tragic hurricane called Katrina, which may end up claiming thousands of lives in America's own backyard.
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As we prepare to meet the needs of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, we may wonder, Could it be that all these things happening in our world are actually signs of the times—signs reminding us that the return of Jesus Christ is near?
When Jesus was asked what the signs of His return would look like, He replied, " 'And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven' " (Luke 21:11 NKJV). Jesus indicates that natural disasters will begin to increase in frequency and intensity in concert with each other shortly before His return. And it is as these birth pains begin to take place that Christians are to know that their deliverance is near (see Luke 21:28).
So, what are we to do? Certainly, we want to do everything possible for the victims of this latest tragedy along America's Gulf Coast communities. Another thing we must consider as we see these signs of the times is that we need to be ready spiritually.
The Bible teaches that there is a generation of people who will not see death, but rather will meet the Lord in what is often referred to as the rapture of the church. Could we be that generation? Time will tell. But if I were you, I would pay careful attention to all that is happening. You will be glad that you did.
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