Nothing like a global pandemic to raise interest in end times prophecy and catapult Bible sales to record highs. We are all having different discussions now and grappling with new terms and the contemplation of a new normal. Bible knowledge among American believers statistically speaking is extremely unhealthy and this leaves people extremely vulnerable to false narratives and fear especially during uncertain times like these. Knowledge about biblical prophecy is even in worse shape among Christians today. But the good news, and there is always good news and hope is that hunger is growing for the Word of God and for the gems of prophecy found within it. One of the key prophetic passages within the New Testament is called the Olivet Discourse and different aspects of it are found in all three of the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Here is a section from Matthews account: Matthew 24:1-14
1Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (ESV)
Beware of date-setting and specific timelines
Jesus prophesied the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem 40 years before it actually happened when Rome destroyed the Temple in A.D. 70. This is just one of hundreds of prophecies which Jesus either fulfilled or prophesied. This important event illustrates the end of Jerusalem and the Temple as being the epicenter of God’s mission in the world. The establishment of the Spirit filling each believer’s heart as the new temple to be used for God’s mission and the establishment of the Church characterize the age we are now in until the end comes and God again restores Israel and the Temple as key elements in His plan. What is important to understand is that all of the events and birth pains mentioned above occurred before A.D 70. which helps explain Matt. 24:34 where Jesus states all that generation will not pass away before this all happened. So, everything necessary for Jesus to return was set in place so every believer from the beginning could long for His imminent return. But it is also important to realize that these events and birth pains have been reoccurring throughout history. We are to be faithful and watchful and realize that the Corona Virus is just one of many birth pains indicating the general age we are currently in leading up to the end.
Pandemics are part of the birth pains leading to the final judgment of God
Wars, famines, diseases, earthquakes, death etc. all reappear in the seven seals of Revelation chapter 6 events prior to the tribulation period . The seals represent the continued birth pains leading up until the end.
Beware of false Christs, false prophecies and false ministries
As the end gets near there will be an increase in people making radical claims like being Christ and there will be an increase in false manipulating prophecies that will sidetrack and lead many away. Those that are not intimately connected to a healthy local church will be especially vulnerable to the manipulation and fear that will characterize the influence of these false voices.
There will be increased polarization between the Kingdom of the world (globalization) and the Kingdom of God.
The “then” of verse 9 specially mentions what will happen to Christians in an increasing measure. Increased globalization will result in more attack upon Christians and the Church worldwide among the nations. The very heartbeat of globalization is the mobilizing of the kingdom of the world against the kingdom of God.
There will be an increase in power, witness and impact of the Church in the world
Even though the Church will be increasingly persecuted, it will be purified and empowered to carry out the mission God gave it. In verse 14 we can see that it is the Church’s faithfulness to the universal mission Christ gave it that prepares the way for the end to come. As globalization will more and more characterize the kingdom of the world, the global mission of preaching the gospel to all the world will characterize the Church. Faithful disciples will not allow all of the fear, chaos and persecution to dampen their love and embracing of Christ’s mission. God’s people will increase in power, witness and impact in the world even as persecution and hostility intensify and global conditions worsen.
“…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
– Luke 18:8
“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come, let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”
– Revelation 22:17
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