Two years ago, Revelation was the farthest thing from my mind as a study. We all read it at some time or other, but the images were baffling and not easily understandable, and consequently we didn’t see it as relevant to living a Christian life. But times and conditions have changed rapidly and dramatically. One can’t help but wonder, where will it all lead? It also raises the question, are we beginning to see signs of the End Times? Is Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and its fallout, such a sign? Such events have peaked an End Times’ interest for many Christian radio and TV hosts, and mine too.
Who are we as a Nation today? Does it matter? This is a very different America than it was just a couple of years ago, but certainly one that not only deserves, but captures one’s attention. The series of events beginning with the covid-19 pandemic, unprecedented government lockdowns, and now a weakening of American’s resolve on the world stage that may potentially have led to the invasion of Ukraine. When America lacks resolve, tyrants will take advantage with little concern of consequences. Does it have anything to do with Revelation?
No one can deny that now more than ever, except for the Civil War, we are a deeply divided America—not between north and south, but between two opposing ideologies—left vs. right. These blog postings are looking for the prophetic signs noted in Revelation, that seem to be especially relevant now. Is the invasion of the Ukraine such a sign? Not in and of itself, but when one factors everything else in, one has to wonder.
Can we ignore the warnings in Revelation, especially when we look at everything taking place: such as the Covid-19 pandemic and unprecedented government lockdowns; empty supermarket shelves; rising energy cost and gas prices. We can’t help but wonder where is it all leading. If we know the signs and pay attention, one can’t help but see a pattern that raises the question, “How close are we?”.
Prophetic signs appear in chapter 5 of Revelation, beginning with a scroll with seven seals. This is what the scroll described by John, would look like. The significance of which is worth exploring…
Opening of the seals begins in chapter 6. In studying Revelation, one can’t help but ask, are current events, signs of the End Times? Let me answer this way: As Americans, there has never been a time in our Nation’s history, that is so totally in sync with the events in the Book of Revelation. Just a couple of years ago, who would have believed it was even possible?
The four horses in Revelation are introduced by the seals. They indicate a rapid flowing out of God’s judgements. They did not just occur randomly but systematically and sequentially. Since they are never recalled, it’s believed that these four judgements continue throughout the Tribulation period. So, what are they? Are they relevant for today?
Let’s begin with Russia’s unprovoked attack on the Ukraine, destroying civilian areas and indiscriminately killing civilians, even children, including the bombing of a children hospital and a maturity hospital. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish. Does that have significance? We will explore its relevance next week and how it plays into Revelation. So, are we in the End Times? Only God knows.
We are told in Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Which is exactly what we are doing. With those words, God is encouraging us to read Revelation. For us, the words may be more relevant that they have ever been. Don’t just read this blog; but read the Book itself. Or join us Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M. in Heritage Lounge.
I’m certain some are wondering, what does the Ukraine have to do with Revelation? In studying Revelation, not just reading it, one becomes more aware of possible signs of the End Times. Some have already declared Russia’s attack on the Ukraine, as just such a sign. In and of itself, that’s a stretch. Nevertheless, based on what Jesus told us about wars and rumors of wars in Matthew 24, there’s a lot more to it, as we’ll see with Jesus’ own words in the next two slides.
Jesus told us that there would be wars and rumors of wars. Wars, like in the Ukraine, will happen time and again, which in and of itself, isn’t a sign of the End Times. Just as WWII was a step closer, but not a sign of the End Times. Nevertheless, it does contain a sign, with the Holocaust, which certainly fits Bible prophecy, in bringing European Jews to create a new state of Israel. Something that otherwise never would have happened. Let’s look at these verses within context on the next slide.
Jesus didn’t tell us we shouldn’t be concerned, only that we shouldn’t be alarmed. He equates it with birth pains occurring with greater frequency and increased intensity over shorter intervals, which brings us closer to the End Times. Why would He even say it, if He did not want us to stay alert? I am not saying we are there yet. What I am saying is we are getting closer with each passing day. Maybe next year or ten years? It will depend on seeing the signs occurring as Jesus tells us in v.8. It is also the role of the Church to share the Gospel, before the End comes.
Beside Revelation, the Bible is full of signs. Why would there even be a Book of Revelation? Is Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24 any indication? Just as He tells us in v.8, there will be wars and rumors of wars, which are the beginning of birth pains. Can we equate these current events to such birth pains? I believe so. There are other warnings, as there was in “the days of Noah”, and days of deception, famines and pestilence, as we are told in the Gospel of Matthew. In other words, God is giving us a lot of signs to be aware of and even study.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is seen as the greatest ground war in Europe since WWII. How’s that for birth pains? Map shows the rising number of refugees leaving the Ukraine,. Even Ukrainian Jews have recently immigrated to Israel. God is still calling His people to the land He promised Abraham and his descendants. The men are staying behind to fight for their country. Consequently, some of their children will be left fatherless.
There is growing concern that Russia could potentially use chemical weapons, and even tactical nuclear weapons. We know Russia has nuclear weapons, but where would those chemical weapons come from? The next slide tells us…
There are no less than 8 bio labs in the Ukraine, which if not kept in check, could potentially be used as a weapon, leading to another worldwide pandemic. Let’s pray that they stop this madness. Where is U.S. leadership? How does this tie into Revelation and the End Times? Only time will tell. Birth pains?
Another concern raised in the media, is food shortages. Russia is a major exporter of wheat and fertilizes. Economists are predicting major food shortages and price increases due to the conditions associated with Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and all the sanctions from both sides. Yet, the White House refuses to open U.S. oil productions, which are affecting prices on almost everything. We are getting a small taste of what the Tribulation will be like. One has to wonder, why isn’t our president reacting to solve, not exacerbate, these problems?
The significance of the seven seals on the scroll are noted on this chart, where we will pick up with next week’s posting. Before we leave, ponder each one in regard to these last two years and the attack on the Ukraine, and where it could lead. All of which we will explore further. Unprecedented government efforts to control the American people was unheard of or even imagined, just two years ago. Similar lockdowns are happening across the Western world, which is exactly the situation in which the Antichrist can and will rise to power.
Will God rescue His people? Many believe so, and so do I. People interpret Revelation from different perspectives. If the Church is the new Israel, than the Church will go through the Tribulation. Christians who follow church history from the 2nd to the 19th century could very well come to that conclusion. No one during that time even expected that there would ever be a new Israel. Satan tried to kill the Jews via the Holocaust, but God used it to bring the Jews home to the land He promised Abraham. Jews are even returning from China and now from the Ukraine. There will be 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the Tribulation, who recognize Jesus Christ as their promised Messiah, and evangelize with a passion. God isn’t finished with His Chosen People.
Let’s close with this question: If Jesus was to return tonight, would you join Him as Lord and Savior? If you can’t answer yes, be prepared for the Tribulation, because that might be what it takes for you to turn to Him. Join us Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M. in Heritage Lounge for a verse-by-verse study of Revelation.
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