“He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” Luke 21.8-11
People have gotten this wrong 100% of the time. Those who predict the end times—those who give a specific time or event—have always been wrong. It’s not that events, wars, and natural disasters aren’t part of the end times; it’s simply impossible to name a specific time. Jesus Himself doesn’t do this. Even the Bible says that Jesus does not know the exact time, only that the end is coming.
Part of this end-time experience will be people claiming to be Jesus, Messiah, or Savior. How many have we seen over the years? David Koresh in Waco and Jim Jones in Jonestown, just to name a few. They led people astray. But Jesus said, “Do not be frightened.” These things must happen. In addition, all these earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and fearful events will be great signs from heaven. Signs of what? That not only do we need a Savior, but that He is returning.
We will know when He returns, the Bible says. Those of us who are in Christ will be taken up into heaven. And those who are asleep—those who have died—will also be taken up with new, resurrected bodies.
The end times will come upon us one day, so we want to be ready. We want to be walking with the Lord, seeking Him with our hearts, fully devoted to His cause. We should not worry or fear. He is with us. He sent His Holy Spirit as an advocate, a comforter, a guide, and a friend. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, but the Spirit of the Father and the Son lives inside each believer. This is the gift we receive when we surrender our lives to Christ.
So what should our response be to a disturbing message about the end times? Do not be disturbed! Trust in faith. Keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Put your hope in the One who is returning “soon.” That is our prayer, our joy, and will be our reward.
“O Lord God, it is a crazy world in which we live. There is no certainty. But You are our hope and our desire. We look to the signs, but only because they point us to You. Come now, Lord—meet with Your people. Call us to Yourself. Help us walk in holiness and so share Your love with others who are called to repent and believe the Gospel. Thank You, Lord, for loving us. I praise You, Lord, and extol Your name. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen