By: J

The world that we live in has always had its problems. We are not the first generation to deal with war, tsunamis, earthquakes, famine, etc… The recent events with Haiti, Chile, and the pandemic event of the Swine flu, are movie like. All we need now is mass chaos and some crazy guy walking around with a sign saying the end is near. We must admit, these record setting world events and rumors of future wars (Iran and Israel) have gotten our attention. As a believer in the Holy Bible, scriptures like the ones in Luke come to mind.

Luke 21:5-38, 25-27 (New International Version)
Signs of the End of the Age

5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6″As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
7″Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

8He 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. 9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

10Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

25″There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Some get stirred by the psychic sayings of fortune tellers or the writings of Nostradamus. The Bible is what I research to gain understanding of what is to come and to make sense of noticeable world events. The accuracy of this passage is factual so a reasonable person would have to consider the return of Jesus, Gods only begotten son. A reasonable person would then begin to research why the return of Jesus is important and how it could impact them.

I believe Jesus really was a sacrificial offering for the sins of this world. His death repaired the gap left by a rebellious creation and his return will be the final redemptive event that rights all wrongs. Then we will experience nirvana, utopia, heaven on earth. All I know is that the state of the world can be quite depressing but the thought of a God that has a plan brings me hope and much needed peace.