Reflecting on the recent coronavirus pandemic, recalling the lockdowns, fear-mongering, Chinese culpability and the general eroding of democratic freedom, the question arises as to what lies just ahead! Did this pestilence resemble one of the prophetic horsemen of the Apocalypse? Is there another metaphoric horseman about to ride?
There is reasonably good evidence to believe that we are on the precipice of drastic change. Where are we now on the doomsday clock? Is it now only one second to midnight? Is the long-awaited bridegroom coming? Are his wedding guests awake and ready?
Of course, these questions in themselves are just metaphors of a much greater scenario. As much as the term “Armageddon” is a metaphor for the last, climatic battle between evil and good, we would still do well to listen carefully to what is happening on our watch. The prophets spoke of it with great urgency. Jesus gave deeper insights as to what it would look like, then and now. Additionally, today, the Holy Spirit tells us of those “things yet to come.”
Against all the precedents of history, a homeland for the Jewish people was formed in 1948. Many in the diaspora returned to make new, innovative, and vision-driven lives. The “times of the Gentiles” spoken of in scripture had finally been fulfilled. All this and more are a precursor to the end times, as prophesied in the book of Daniel, when “many would run to and fro, and when knowledge would increase.”
The wars in 1967 and 1973 against Israel were surprisingly short, given the huge odds against them. Few can adequately explain the logistical victory by the Israelis when faced by numerous Arab armies. Today, we are again back in the battle field. At almost 200 days of war since the Hamas massacre on October 7th 2023, the battle lines are being drawn between Iran and its proxies, and Israel and its ailing allies. Chinese and Russian warships have quietly positioned themselves in strategic waters around the Middle East, as have American and European vessels before them. New players, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis are dangerously wont to fire their missiles creating havoc and uncertainty. And as of this week, Iran is promising retaliatory strikes against Israel, matching their tiring rhetoric of destroying both Israel and the USA.
Why might this be of concern to you and me? Why should we care? Simply because in the prophetic insights, the city of Jerusalem sits tenuously at the centre of the Biblical narrative. It is the city of the Great King. The gospel message emanated from there. And Jesus apparently will visibly return to Jerusalem. It is the “cup of trembling for all nations” as spoken by ancient seers, including Jeremiah and Zechariah.
Now, the speculation is rife that Iran may attack Israel within the next 48 hours. Anticipation it is, with many would-be modern prophets and political analysists having a feast amidst tantalising titbits of verified and unverified information to keep the armchair netzines glued to their screens. The first casualty of war, of course, is truth! Others, in contrast, simply ignore the bodes of war and immerse themselves in the distraction of entertainment, the world of sport, and even their work.
War is coming. Will not end in annihilation? Absolutely not. At the darkest point, another and final trumpet will herald the promised coming and revealing of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amidst glory, resurrection, and the promised cup of consummation, Jesus’ words as recorded in the Book of Revelation tells us not only “of things to come,” but warns us through the coming days to light our lamps and listen carefully to what the Spirit of God says.
