Apocalypse in Israel or not, trauma is a daily episode in the modern world.
Survivors of the Supernova music festival in southern Israel say the scene looked like the apocalypse.
- Sky full of rockets at 6:30 AM
- Suiciders blocking exits
- Shooters everywhere
“This may be the most dangerous time the world has seen in decades.” Jamie Dimon, CEO JP Morgan Chase, 10/13/2023
The chief executive of the world’s largest bank said the terror attack in Israel and the Ukraine war have far-reaching effects on trade, markets and relationships for years to come.
The Bible details a number of alarming signs for “the end of the age.”
Here are two unfolding today with growing lethality.
Israel apocalypse sign #1: Wars and rumors of wars
Sitting at the top of the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem, Jesus’ disciples asked him what the signs would be for the end of the age.
“And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” Matthew 24:6-7
We certainly have wars and rumors of wars and have for some time.
“It is deeply disturbing to realize that in fifty five centuries of recorded history there have been only 292 years of ‘peace’. Furthermore, mankind has never fashioned a weapon that hasn’t been used.” William Goetz, Apocalypse Next
The difference today is that weapons are more lethal.
Weapons of mass destruction can bring down the final curtain on our world system.
“I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” Albert Einstein
Mass murder and nuclear threats are signs of uncontrolled evil in the end times.
Israel apocalypse sign #2: Hatred turning humans to beasts
Hatred is another sign Jesus gave for the end of the age.
“And at that time many will fall away and will deliver up one another and hate one another.” Matthew 24:10
You can see the beast in Hamas who gunned down festival-goers and children mercilessly.
The point is that anybody can elevate hatred and turn into a beast.
And when hatred becomes rage, one person can pull a trigger or push a button unleashing havoc everywhere.
Hatred multiplies betrayal and deceit throughout society.
Hatred accelerates lethality.
The only answer I know for trauma today and tomorrow
Man without God can be something worse than an animal. He can turn into a beast. He can be a devil.
Don’t blame the animals. They don’t commit mass murder. They kill for food.
Were it not for Jesus’ resurrection, I would have no word for suffering and no word for anybody’s yesterdays or anybody’s tomorrows.
Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection is proof that He can . . .
- take our troubles as he took his own
- take our suffering as he took his own
- take our tribulations as he took his own
. . . and turn loss into triumph.
Evil percolates through every human like profanity, lust, envy, ridicule or bitterness. These can turn into other forms like adultery, slander, wrath or murder.
A spiritual cleansing is necessary.
Why not invite a power of inner transformation unlike any other? Faith in Christ sparks a new creation that overcomes evil and one is born again. Love, grace, mercy and peace arrive like an unending stream of water and now one is escorted with divine power. And this escort creates all kinds of new strength and new possibilities.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of his calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of his might when he raised him from the dead . . .” Ephesians 1: 18-20
Jesus avoided no problem. Escaped no suffering. Glossed over no trouble.
Instead, He took the worst and transformed death to life, despair to hope and hate into love.
Do you think the world is facing increasing levels of hatred and conflict?
Yes. Perhaps it has been simmering, awaiting the likes of Mr. Trump and social media. Measure the hatred in our country from 2016 to today. Measure the likes of the extreme right. Nothing coincidental.
Thanks for your comment Robert. Unfortunately, hatred cannot be isolated to one political viewpoint as all of them are guilty of this sin. But, our participation in the public forum of opinion can hopefully influence the tide.