There are far too many people today, not only in America but worldwide, that have turned or are turning away from the Lord God Jehovah. When speaking of the times that will signal the end of this age, Jesus said in Matthew 24:10-12; “And then many will fall away and betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (any emphasis mine)
He is talking mostly about the 7-year Tribulation period, but in Luke 21:28, we can take this as a pre-rapture sign. He says; “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (ESV). Matthew 24:36, NKJV; “But of that day and hour, no one knows; not even the angels of the heavens, nor the Son except the Father only.” The signs began several years ago, and we are definitely at that point today.
At the time Jesus spoke these words, He was fully in human form and had allowed Himself to become completely controlled by the will of the Father. As stated in Hebrews 2:7-8; “You made Him for a little while lower than the angels; You have crowned Him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under His feet.” From the second our Savior died on that cross as a human, His spirit regained all His divine power. And from that instant, He knew when our final moment before the Rapture would be, just as the Father and Holy Spirit know this as well.
Without giving any specific timeframe of the end-time events, God spoke through several prophets and disciples as to what signs to look for. One of the main signs was the parable of the Fig tree. This was understood to refer to Israel and the phases it would go through.
Joel 2:22; 24-26; 32: 22 “Fear not, you beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit; the Fig Tree and the vine give their full yield [prosperous]… 24 The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. 25 I will restore to you the years [almost 2,000] that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer and the cutter, My great army which I sent among you. [Israel was desolate until about 1948.] 26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And My people will never be put to shame again… 32 And it shall come to pass, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Right now, Israel is a very prosperous nation with a strong and respected military presence in the Middle East. They went from being a desolate wasteland to having fertile fields of crops and vineyards, and today they export a lot of products to numerous other nations. Since May 14, 1948, it is obvious to those who care to admit it that God has blessed Israel and has kept it from being annihilated by the surrounding countries. No other nation on this earth has ever come back and prospered after so long a period of time.
Looking at Matthew 24:32-34; “From the Fig tree learn its lesson; as soon as the branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that He is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation [from 1948] will not pass away until all these things take place.” I do not know the length of the “generation” the Lord spoke of, but so far, it’s been just over 72 years.
Israel has been nothing short of a miracle from the first day, but as in the past, the people have not turned completely to their God and their Messiah. Presently, it’s estimated that about 1% to 2% of the worldwide Jewish population is messianic – accepts Jesus as Savior. Romans 11:25 speaks about this; “Lest you be wise in our own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers [sisters]: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in.”
Paul is telling his readers that God knew what the attitude of His chosen would be and has allowed this to happen. Once the “fullness of the Gentiles” – Rapture – takes place, and the Gentiles (and all believers) are removed, then God will again turn His full attention to the Jewish people. The 7-year Tribulation will not only be the Wrath of the Father on this evil, sinful world, but it will be a time of discipline for His chosen. Remember, Hebrews 12:5-11 references a just father disciplining his children as a sign of love, not abuse.
Zechariah 13:8 tells us that 2/3 of the Jewish people will perish during that time. The remaining 1/3 will be “put into the fire and refined,” and at the end will say, “The Lord is my God” (v-9).
A lot of events happening today are causing people to “faint from fear,” as given in Luke 21:26. They are being controlled by events of this world rather than putting their faith and trust in our Heavenly Father. Again, God is not surprised by any of this. Shortly, there will be an attack against Israel (Ezekiel 38/39), and they will again be miraculously saved. This time it will be with obvious Heavenly resources. Then, a very charismatic person will emerge with an ultimate plan for peace that the whole world will applaud. Enter the antichrist and the 7-year Tribulation.
This information has been available to all who will accept God’s word. It has been there since before the time our Savior walked this earth. Daniel and Revelation give the complete scenario of what will take place, and Jesus affirmed this by telling of the “Abomination of Desolation” spoken of by Daniel. (Matthew 24; Mark 13) True believers who have accepted Jesus will not witness those events here on earth. Our Father promised to keep us from the coming wrath in 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 and Revelation 3:10.
It may seem like the powers of this earth are in full control, and events are gaining speed that lead to the 7-year Wrath/Tribulation. What would seem to be obvious is overlooked, and things that make no sense are taking place.
Remember, 1 John chapters 2-5 tell us there were false prophets and antichrists in his day, and they would increase in number and influence toward the end of this age. It’s here; it’s happening; we’re seeing it every day. Previously, Bible-based evangelical churches preached God’s word. Now they are “tweaking” His words to fit what the prince of this world (Satan) wants to be given in many pulpits.
God is patient to a point (2 Peter 3:9) but won’t wait for much longer. Time and again, He warned Israel to turn away from their wickedness and back to Him. Time and again, they had to be disciplined. Well, here we are again. He has warned and warned us, but our society is going to the “politically correct” side – Satan’s side.
It’s not too late to call on Jesus to be our Savior; just follow Romans 10:9-13 for the simple details. Don’t add or take anything away from the verses. Then, when the Trumpet of God sounds, and the shout from the archangel takes place, you will be ready to go “up to meet Jesus in the air” and be with Him forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53).
Just please don’t hesitate. Call on Jesus today. The “twinkling of an eye” could be any second of any day now. Be Ready! Be assured, God is still on the throne, and He is in control. He wants you to call on His Son and be saved.
Maranatha! Shalom!