Shema Living During End Times (5)

Watch & Pray #5:

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Make sure that you are not alarmed, for this must happen, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. (Matthew 24:6-7a)

“War does not determine who is right - only who is left.” - Bertrand Russell

Russell’s quote reminds us of the potential that man-made military conflicts may not truly solve the real root problem of the struggle that exists or is perceived to exist. The hopeful goal of correcting wrong could merely end with the side who had the most in the battle or the side who remained standing.

Jesus declares the second, the first being the rise of false Christs, “beginning of birth pains” (v. 8) is war. War, like the false Christs and the other beginning indicators of Jesus’ appearance, was common in the first century during this time of the Roman Empire. These events are documented throughout the centuries as well as in our current day of the 21st century with wars in the Middle East and in the Ukraine.

So, what makes this predicted time of war unique or characteristic yet, akin—though on a smaller worldwide scale—to the fall of the Jerusalem Temple in the AD 70, of Jesus’ future second coming?

Jesus, employing Old Testament phrases (2 Chronicles 15:6; Jeremiah 51:46), states there will be “wars and rumors of wars.” The conflicts will be of a global scale, “nation will rise up against nation” as well as potentially internal, civil war-type clashes, “kingdom against kingdom.” As Leon Morris suggests, the international, worldwide aspects and their severity will indicate the work of spiritually evil forces directing and controlling these worldwide events. (Morris)

Moreover, the rumors aspect could not only signify the talk and suspicion that will dominate people’s hearts during these days but can also mean that the battles or close at hand. As the meaning of “rumors” can be noise the hearing of war will be close-at-hand. Again, the meaning is substantiated as Jesus describes that wars and military conflicts will be everywhere… “nation…against nation, kingdom against kingdom.”

In the midst of such a maelstrom Jesus tells His first century disciples as well as His 21st century followers to, “Make sure you are not alarmed…” International war will create fear and confusion for many. Jesus, seeking to help disciples who are watching and praying, instructs to guard one’s heart so not get caught up in the conversation and reality of the global disarray and chaos. Instead, move even closer to trust that God remains in charge and control. Morris encourages this posture when he writes, “They (Jesus’ disciples) have one thing going for them that the general public has not: they know that God is over all and that his purpose will in the end be worked out. This is the significance of it is necessary. Although in a time when people are caught up in war and when other wars are rumored it seems that evil is in control, this is illusory. God is in control, and all apparent triumphs of wrong will in the end be seen to fit into his perfect plan.”

Wars, along with the other “birth pangs” indicators Jesus mentions will only be the beginning of God finalizing this journey of restoration of the world and full reconciliation with humankind. Yes, “the end is still to come.” Jesus saying, “the end” reminds us back of the disciples’ question and “the end of the age.” (v. 3) As earthly, historical events do assist alert end time watchers and pray-ers, the ultimate and divine revelation of the sign, that is, Jesus’ appearance (v. 29) comes solely in God’s time and timing. Jesus’ teaching to endure is vital! (Luke 8:15; 21:19)

In summary, though Bertrand Russell’s war quote provides a relevant description of many wartime results through the ages the statement will profoundly and accurately portray Jesus’ second coming and the end of the age. Christ, indeed, will be the One who will be right, and His followers will be left standing after all the earthly wars of Satan’s evil run their course and then spiritual battles of God’s wrath are complete.  

Let us close with Jesus’ divine revelation to John as He echoes what He initially shared in Matthew 24 to the disciples while in His earthly existence: 

And another horse, fiery red, came out, and the one who rode it was granted permission to take peace from the earth, so that people would butcher one another, and he was given a huge sword. (Revelation 6:4) 

Our Father, You will allow and give permission for the evil one to bring a lot of military havoc and wartime destruction. Empower us with “ears to hear” and lives to endure and remain faithful. Encourage us now to teach and disciple ourselves, our families, and churches towards the salvation of endurance for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.