The only sure thing about the Second Coming of Jesus is that he is truly coming again in person but this time he will be “taking the gloves off” and showing his true majesty (Rev. 1:7; 19:10f; Matt 24:27-31). He will also be returning to a world that will largely be caught off guard (I Thess. 5:2) and it will be a time of judgment of apocalyptic proportions. The first time he appeared on the scene, he came to be a sacrificial lamb (John 1:29) atoning for our sin; but when he returns he will be like a roaring lion (Rev.5:5). His primary target will be the unseating of the most sinister of all world rulers called the Antichrist by John (I John 4:3), the man of sin and lawlessness, by Paul (I Thess. 2:3,8 NKJV) and the Beast by the writer of Revelation (13:1f- I hold with those scholars who believe that the Apostle John wrote Revelation). I also hold with those Biblical scholars who teach that Jesus will be returning to “bail out” Israel which will be besieged on all fronts by a massive coalition of nations who will be seeking to annihilate God’s chosen people in what is generally known as the Battle of Armageddon or the “mother of all wars.”
While we are not permitted to indulge ourselves in predictions about when Jesus will return (see Matt. 24:38) we should be aware that current world conditions may be pointing to a speedy return of Christ. There are two facts about our world which are most intriguing. First, there is the political reality that after more than two millennia Israel has become an independent nation (1948) and while she is expediently aligned with the western nations and particularly the United States, Israel is, nevertheless, free and independent. But the Arab world especially those nations dominated by Islamic fundamentalism are arrayed against Israel and desire her annihilation. It would not be overstating the case that the middle east is currently a powder keg threatening to go off at any time. All that is needed is a marked weakening in the resolve of Israel’s supporters or chief supporter (the US) and a powerful leader to mobilize the Arab world or support them in a major offensive against Israel and the scenario alluded to in Zechariah 14:1-5, Ezekiel 38 and 39, and Revelation 19:10f could play out in our lifetime. Such a powerful leader could emerge quickly within the context of current world conditions and this calls for further elaboration.
For the first time in human history it is possible for one person to literally rule the entire planet. The development of highly sophisticated communications technology and advanced monitoring systems as well as the threat of hideous weapons now make it possible for one leader and his governing apparatus to keep tabs on everyone and force compliance to global rule. The proliferating spread of terrorism may force the “civilized” nations of the world to finally form one world government (economically, the world is virtually united now). We seem to be moving closer and closer to that and one major catastrophe eclipsing the shock of 9/11 may just tie the knot among nations. Even the Arab nations may be swept into this new world order especially if Israel is perceived by them to be rendered vulnerable by such a geopolitical arrangement.
The above may be an oversimplified characterization of the current world scene, but I am still intrigued by Israel’s relatively recent emergence as a nation in the midst of so much Arab hatred as well as the likelihood that one leader could run the entire world. Although the Bible forbids us to make predictions (see above) Jesus does say in Matthew 24:33-34 (NKJV): “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: when it’s branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also when you see all these things, know ye that it is near-at the doors!” What things? Read Matthew 24 because it is reading more and more like our daily newspaper. Pray for Haiti.
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