The world has never seen days such as those we are presently living in. While they are like the days of Noah and like the days of Lot, the unique mixture of prophecy fulfillment was earmarked for this generation and this exact time.

How people view these times is likely dependent on where they stand spiritually. If one’s hopes are in this world these times are tenuous. Assuming they are awake in any measure there is an uneasiness in the atmosphere. It builds like a nervous tension as it rises towards an inevitable crescendo.

There are rumors of innumerable impending natural disasters. Massive earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and even asteroids are all in the mix. Add to that the increasing terror as groups like ISIS and Boko Haram ravage the Middle East and even threaten the United States. In addition many are experiencing a nervousness not only about the stock market, but about the value of the Dollar itself. Some say that a crash is inevitable and near. Wars and rumors of wars are popping up in unprecedented numbers. All of the tension between nations now seems to be leading towards an inevitable world war.

In Luke 21 Jesus speaks regarding signs of the end of the age. He lays out a road map that looks like the times we are seeing. In verse 26 He goes on to say, “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”

So while there is a question on many’s minds as to how to prepare, the broad strokes of what is upon us now looms like the infamous handwriting on the wall from Daniel 5. Even many of those who were skeptics are now scrambling to prepare. Yet because of the uncertainty of what and when, preparation has proven difficult.

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near,” Luke 21:28.

However, for those who are in Christ, the coming events are perceived in a different manner. Our hearts and minds are drawn more towards Luke 21:28 where Jesus says that when these things (If you are asking what things reference Luke 21:8-25 below) are fulfilled we should look up for our redemption draws near. While it is not prudent for us to constantly fix our physical gaze upon the skies, those who recognize the signs of the times do so in their spirits.

These recognize the difficulties this world is facing but their position is different. They know that this world truly is not their home. They know that God reigns on His throne no matter what the earthly circumstance and they know that He can be trusted. As a result they do not feel the need to fight tooth and nail for their mortal lives. The prudent and able among them are likely to make physical preparations for the coming times but they know that these preparations are not solely for their benefit. They are ready to share of what they have physically and spiritually so that the bodies and the spirits of the needy may be nourished.

It boils down to this. We all face the same circumstances but we do not see them in the same way. Some have a never ending desire to figure out what is coming so that they may escape the danger. Others watch closely the signs of these times so that they may warn others. Regardless of what we may or may not understand about what lies ahead there is one thing we all must understand and take action on.

Jesus is coming… SOON. Those who scoff will cease their scoffing. Those who have stubbornly resisted God will either, by His grace, surrender to Him or they will enter into an eternity of torment, sorrow and regret. Those who have taken the truth flippantly will need to decide what they truly believe. They will take a position and the position they take will make all the difference.

No matter our physical level of readiness, it is our spiritual preparedness that will make all the difference in the coming times. Some will stand on the rock and they will not be shaken. Others will find themselves confused, tossed about and ultimately consumed by the shifting sands.

Today is the day to make yourself ready.

“⁸ And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. ⁹ But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”
¹⁰ Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. ¹² But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. ¹³ But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. ¹⁴ Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; ¹⁵ for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. ¹⁹ By your patience possess your souls.

The Destruction of Jerusalem
²⁰ “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. ²¹ Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. ²² For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. ²³ But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. ²⁴ And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man
²⁵ “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring,” Luke 21:8-25.

~ Mitch Salmon

Mitch Salmon is a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaimer of the Good News – The Gospel of Christ Jesus!