A lot of people over the centuries have claimed the end of the world was near, and I suppose in a way they were right. I mean at that point in time the end was closer than it had ever been before. But what I have been noticing lately is a dramatic increase in “end of days kind of stuff.” Now sure, there are some who are likely to disagree and argue that it’s nothing new but I don’t have the time or energy to get into all of that at the moment. If you feel compelled, leave a comment or contact me and we’ll talk. For now:
Disease Outbreaks
Spain has outbreak’s 1st known case of contracting Ebola outside of Africa
Volcanic Activity
Seven Volcanoes In Six Different Countries All Start Erupting Within Hours Of Each Other
Strange Geological Occurances
Two to three feet of hail crippled parts of Mexico City Sunday
Radical Islamists
Turkey says Syria town about to fall as Islamic State advances
Iraqi Christians in U.S. lament ‘slow-motion genocide’ engineered by Islamic State
Islamic State Killed 500 Yazidis, Buried Some Victims Alive
Somali prime minister urges neighbours to secure borders as al-Shabaab losses mount
Nigeria: Boko Haram Torch 185 Churches in Captured Towns of Borno and Adamawa
Boko Haram Beheads Seven Civilians in Northern Nigeria
11,000 Dead in Boko Haram Insurgency
And I could keep going, but I think you get the point. I bring these up for a reason. Is it possible that all of this is simply a continuation of how things have been forever? Sure, I guess. But historically I don’t think that’s the case, and for the last 10 years whenever I mention something about all of this and signs of the time of Jesus’ return people say,
“Yeah. I can see the end beginning in 15-20 years. “
It can only be 15-20 years for so long until it’s time and it’s important to watch and be mindful. Jesus calls us to that:
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[a] 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.
Anyway, now that I got that out, feel free to comment below or contact me directly!
Rants, Theories, & Random Observations 
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32
I try not to guess when the end is coming… because Jesus told us no one will ever know. But I completely agree that it is important for us to stay mindful and vigilant that it could be coming.
Hey Godmadedirt01, thanks for the comment!
Yes, you are spot on! No one knows the day or hour of his coming except the Father. However, I think we (in general) should try to remember that Jesus, who shares the Father’s eternal foreknowledge, also gave us signs of the season that we should understand. Most are outlined in Matthew 24 and Mark 13. I don’t think we can know the exact time of His coming, but he wouldn’t preface Mark 13:32 with the signs of His return unless he wanted us to be watchful and mindful so that we will withstand the false prophets and false messiahs who are here and are to come. We shouldn’t dwell on trying to figure it all out like that guy with the billboards did a few years back, instead we carry on with what we’ve been charged with which is spreading the Word to all people.
I found this verse interesting and encouraging. “But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5). Be blessed sister!
Hi Dan,
I’m in home in FL for a while as well. I hope to come down and see you with Kris (or something) sometime.
Just to engage in discussion with your post… I see that your Matt 24:4-14 needs be read in its context of v1-2 (Jesus on the Mount of Olives with his disciples looking at the temple) and all the way to v34-35 (this generation will not pass away until these taken place). I would say Jesus is looking at the temple and predicting its destruction (along with Jerusalem and other places in Judea) in 70AD. If you read the accounts of the destruction and Roman army moving through Judea, you will see a lot of similarities. Thus I would say that is it’s fulfillment.
At v36 it switches to “But about that day” which may be a switch to talking about his 2nd coming. “But” signifies a change in subject, and “that day” is common phrase for the “the Lord’s day” which is used to describe a dramatic intervention (and possibly judgement) of God.
There is plenty more to be said but that should help further thinking and discussion.
Ray, good to proverbially hear your voice again! Sure I can see that too. But I see the transition a little differently. Verses 1-35 make up a single cohesive statement but it also constitutes a series of fluid thoughts.
First off, v. 1-2 is a prophetic statement of the coming destruction of the Temple and of Jerusalem. It begins by giving the location, that is when they “left the Temple and were going away.” V. 3 seems to me to be a seperate conversation because it takes place as they’re sitting on the mount of olives which is at least 25 minutes away by foot.
Second, in v. 3 the disciples ask Jesus two distinct questions. When will these things (the destruction of Jerusalem) happen, AND what will be the sign of his coming. Also, this whole section cannot possibly be just about Jerusalem in 70AD because in v. 30 Jesus says that the whole earth will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds, which didn’t happen and I assume would have been recorded by at least one ancient historian.
Finally, the statement about the generation not passing is in direct correlation with the lesson from the fig tree returning from a state of desolation as the fig tree sprouts after the winter.
Sorry for taking so long to respond, life’s been busy. I’d love to hear about your travels sometime.