The more things change, the more they stay the same.
That phrase was first introduced to the literary world by French novelist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, but it captures the vanity expressed by the author of Ecclesiastes. The preacher who penned that book of wisdom came to realize that there is nothing new under the sun.
Applied to Bible prophecy, it might be more appropriate to say that many things seem to be coming to a head, or converging. The age-old battle between darkness and light has raged since the Garden, but now the clash of spiritual forces seems particularly pitched. It is as if God is turning up the heat (allowing prophetic signs to multiply exponentially) and Satan is recognizing his time is short.
As the end draws near, we would naturally expect that darkness would rage in frenzied anticipation of the Light that will soon burst from the heavens, the Light whose first inklings will herald the soon demise of night’s terrors. And that is precisely what is happening.
Holy Terror or Blessed Hope
For those who discern the lengthening shadows and recognize that wickedness is rising but do not understand the implications of these prophetic fulfillments, mounting discouragement threatens to dampen their joy. Many people see increasing wars and rumors of wars, societal breakdown, rising apostasy in the Church, and all the other foretold signs merely as evidence that the world is “going to hell in a handbasket.” What too many fail to realize is that Jesus told us that these things would happen. He said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
If you are a veteran Christian—meaning a steadfast follower of Jesus who has seen much over the course of a long life of faithfulness—this is no time to go wobbly! That is what Lady Margaret Thatcher used to tell her colleagues in parliament when many of them grew weak-kneed in the face of peril. She knew that victory could be gained if they stood firm and fought for what was right in principle and in the best interest of their nation.
We have the assurance that the victory is already won, although Christ has not yet bound Satan or instituted His reign on the earth. The Millennial Kingdom is coming soon. We just have to hold out and “fight the good fight” a little while longer (1 Timothy 6:12). Paul’s charge to Timothy was to carry on, following the order (commandment) given “until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:13-15).
Our present situation is far from precarious. To paraphrase Marine General Chesty Puller (when he was told that his battalion was surrounded by Chinese forces in Korea), “We’re surrounded. Good! They can’t get away from us now!”
Folks, we are surrounded, not by the enemy but by people who are ignorant of their eternal fate. They may even be unwitting enemies of the cross, but Scripture says that Christ died for them—just as He died for me and for you. Do we love the lost with Christ-like love? Are we willing to risk life, limb, embarrassment, humiliation, or even mere discomfort to share the Gospel with those who are perishing?
Bright Hope for Tomorrow
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
– Thomas O. Chisholm (1923)
If the Lord tarries and some of us are called to our heavenly home while the war rages on earth, have we trained up young Christian soldiers to take up our mantle and continue the advance? There is a reason Scripture says that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church of Jesus Christ—we are to be pressing forward until our Commander relieves us of duty.
There is no doubt that fear is rising in the world. It is palpable in many circles, even within the ranks of those who are well-versed in Bible prophecy. But as any good military commander can tell you, fear is debilitating and contagious. That is why we are told to encourage one another—and all the more as we see the Day drawing near.
Hope is also contagious. A single person overflowing with resilient, eternal hope (not merely hope in hope or a futile cause, but in a righteous cause and trustworthy promise) can invigorate others to rise up and press forward.
The motto of the Israeli Defense Force is “Acharai” which means “Follow me!” It captures the emphasis on leaders boldly leading to gain victory. That unflinching confidence is what has set the IDF apart from its Arab foes in wars over the past 80 years.
When Jesus called His disciples, He said, “Follow Me.” If you are a follower of Christ, He has also called you to follow. Even as the spiritual battle rages around us, we can be confident because He has promised never to leave us or forsake us.
At the Rapture, every follower of Jesus will rise to meet our Blessed Hope. During the Tribulation, those in rebellion will come to realize that He is their Holy Terror. The choice is age-old. Moses presented the Children of Israel with the same choice: life and death, blessing and curse. He urged them to choose life so that they and their descendants might live (Deuteronomy 30:19).
As the world spirals out of control, I urge you to choose between hope and fear—a decision that will determine your effectiveness in the army of God. If you choose hope, exude confidence in the knowledge that the Holy Child of Bethlehem will descend to us, coming to collect us and abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.
Then lift up your countenance, discipline your words, and train up those who are following after you. And stay in the fight, until you “take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (1 Timothy 6:12).
