After describing the series of events prophesied to occur at the end of the age, Jesus Christ instructed His followers, "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36). He also said, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near" (v. 28). So not only are we to "watch" these ongoing prophesied events, but they should inspire us and stir us to look forward to the Kingdom of God— and to be encouraged that it is coming soon as these prophetic events unfold! This is a vital part of helping us to becoming "Philadelphian" Christians!
Yet, brethren, I find that many Church members do not seem to have much knowledge of current affairs. They are not "tuned in" to prophetic events. They do not even subscribe to a daily newspaper or check current events on the Internet regularly.
Many times I have visited our own brethren and found that this is the case. I also saw this, years ago, when I lived in Oregon and Mr. Armstrong suggested that I attend the "Sardis" Church of God—as we had no local congregation there ourselves. During an entire summer there, on the summer break from Ambassador College, I would eat with and visit in the homes of the local brethren. I saw that these people lived in their "own little world." They talked about the weather, the farming conditions and their family and friends. Practically no discussion ever came up about prophetic events, or about the need to reach the whole world with the Gospel while we still have the opportunity for this type of "Big Picture" discussion!
This type of atmosphere might be reasonable among God's people, except that we are right now living at the end of the age! Right now, we should be excited about it. We should "see" God's hand in bringing about the awesome world events that He has prophesied, which we have known about for so many years. We should realize that far more of these prophetic events are coming together than at any time in human history! No, things are not "the same as always!"
As the Charlotte Observer reported last March 21, "The 2005 hurricane season was the worst since record-keeping began more than 150 years ago. Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, brought the most destruction. Last year's season included 15 hurricanes, more than double the six that typically strike, said Lixion Avila, a hurricane specialist at the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami."
Remember, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ commands us to "watch!"
Think! Has there ever been a time like this in human history when mankind could annihilate itself from this planet? Yet Jesus said that just before the Great Tribulation, this is how it would be. "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened" (Matthew 24:21–22).
Right now, brethren, virtually all the news sources indicate that Russia has far more nuclear weapons than would be required to destroy humanity! Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin, is increasingly being described as a virtual "dictator" who is taking to himself increasing power and authority along the lines Adolf Hitler did before the Second World War! Have you thought and prayed about this?
Also, China is gaining increasing nuclear capability. China is the largest nation on earth in terms of population and, increasingly, is competing with the United States and the western nations in world trade and world influence. Following is a significant quote from WorldNetDaily.com, last March 19: "Here's one that tops the Dubai Ports World deal—but, so far, no one is complaining. U.S. taxpayers are lending Westinghouse Electric Co. almost $5 billion to build nuclear power plants in China—even though the company, based in Pennsylvania, is about to be sold to Japan's Toshiba Corp., and even though the company is currently owned by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. And, so far, no one in the U.S. government is showing any interest in scrutinizing the sale over the transfer of nuclear-power technology— or in halting the loan from the Export-Import Bank."
Additionally, as you may have read, President Bush recently approved the United States assisting India—the second largest nation on earth—with its nuclear development! Obviously, our leaders know nothing about biblical prophecy or how God warns modern Israel that its "lovers"—allies—will turn against it! Meanwhile, the news is full of information about Iran moving steadily ahead toward developing nuclear weapons. America and Britain are wringing their hands over this development, seemingly unable to do anything since China and Russia object! Yet Iran is one of the nations President George W. Bush has labeled as part of the "axis of evil"—one of America's primary enemies!
I trust we all know the vivid description of the "great whore who sits upon 'many waters'" (Revelation 17:15). This great "woman" is a false church who is the "mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth" (v. 5). Prophecy indicates, at least indirectly, that many of the "daughters" will come back to their mother. As you read world events, you can see that this is happening in a frightening manner. A recent article tells us, "Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is expected to make his first formal visit to Pope Benedict XVI in Rome this year in an attempt to heal the centuries-old rift between the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches" (The Times of London, March 11, 2006).
Most of you older brethren will remember that the Church has long taught that at the time of the end, children will rise up and be insolent and oppressive toward their elders. As Jesus Christ "is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), the attitude for which God punished ancient Israel and ancient Judah will apply today. Remember, God prophesied of them: "I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. The people will be oppressed, every one by another and every one by his neighbor; the child will be insolent toward the elder, and the base toward the honorable…. As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths" (Isaiah 3:4–5, 12). Many dozens of articles have come out in the media—as most of you know— indicating that this is certainly becoming increasingly common today.
One recent example is an article by newspaper columnist Kathleen Parker, answering New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd who had asked, "Are men necessary?" Parker commented: "I wrote in response that, yes, men are necessary, if not to certain women, then certainly to children, who, despite the creative inventions of many modern mothers, seem to love their daddies. At least they love the idea of Daddy, since so few children these days get to have a real one. A third of all American children are born to unwed mothers and half will sleep tonight in a house where their biological father does not live…. A society in which women are alone, men are lonely, and children don't have fathers is nothing to celebrate. And a future world filled with fatherless children—bereft of half their identity and robbed of a father's love, discipline and authority— won't likely be a pleasant place to live" (Charlotte Observer, March 23, 2006).
Indeed, brethren, our entire society is becoming less and less "a pleasant place to live." As we read about all the burgeoning crises evident all over this planet—the horrifying atrocities against women and children in Darfur and many other nations in Africa, about women and children being oppressed in many of the Muslim nations, and about the frankly horrifying condition of the U.S. when you consider the massive national debt, the oil crisis and the crisis of American leadership—it should be obvious that this world desperately needs Jesus Christ's Second Coming as King of kings!
Also, brethren, we who understand the meaning of these events have the opportunity and the responsibility to powerfully warn our Israelitish brethren—and all others to the extent we can—that the Great Tribulation will truly come primarily upon the British-descended and American peoples soon, unless we repent of our sins! As God's Word powerfully reminds us: "Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, 'Surely we did not know this,' does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?" (Proverbs 24:11–12).
So let us go all out in proclaiming the full message of Jesus Christ— including the end-time warnings. Let us follow Christ's direction to "watch" these world events zealously. And let us heartfeltly "deliver" those around us who are being "drawn toward death" as the greatest tribulation in human history comes closer and closer. Please be sure that you do your part to watch and to respond to the end-time events taking place in front of your very eyes!