The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 24 Part 3 End Times Marked By Increasing Wars And Human Suffering

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Remember the three questions Jesus is answering in this chapter because they have a direct bearing on His reply.

First, when will the end of the world come?

Second, what signs will announce Christ's return?

Third, what will the end of the world be like?

Jesus warned us to make careful observations and compare our findings with the Word.

Matthew 24:3-5  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 

In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus answers His disciple's questions of when will the destruction of Jerusalem occur, what are the signs accompanying Christ's return and what will the end of the world be like.

Jesus began by instructing His followers to take heed, by being careful observers of a corrupt culture and worldly wickedness.

We must compare our observations with the truth of scripture, in order to maintain a right view of world events.

Jesus warned against being deceived by false prophets and the spirit of antichrist in the world.

Second, Jesus warned us against being deceived by the spirit of antichrist that has been operating in the world since the fall of man into sin.

We must guard against false prophets who claim to be Christ and we must reject all spiritual error or heresy.

This means we must be diligent students of the scriptures, so that we can use the sword of the Spirit to fend off apostasy and heresy (See Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12).

International conflict, great suffering, geological upheaval are traits of the end times.

Matthew 24:6  And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 

Wars and rumors of new conflicts have plagued humanity since the fall, when Adam and Eve sinned.

Cain sinned and killed his own brother (See Genesis 4). 

Lamech killed a man in self defense and bragged that he would take revenge seventy times more than Cain was permitted to do (See Genesis 4:15; 4:23-24).

Thus a murderous, aggressive, warlike spirit quickly took root in the world shortly after creation.

Each generation has faced war at home or in far off places.

We face many ongoing wars and rumors of wars today. 

Unfortunately, this has been the norm since the beginning, after sin entered the world.

It is helpful to remember that scripture does not provide a complete record of all conflicts that happened in the past.

Scripture does not give us a detailed history of wars except when such conflicts involve Israel or the patriarchs like Noah, Abraham or Isaac, Jacob or Joseph.

Scripture does note wars when they impacted God's people or the nation Israel, or Christ's church in the first century.

Currently, the International Red Cross estimates there are about 130 ongoing armed conflicts in the world.

Some are more widespread such as the wars with Iran or Russia and Ukraine.

Other conflicts are more localized, such as Islamic persecution of Christians in countries like Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, or Yemen.

Therefore, we too, must heed Jesus' words.

Our Lord tells us that we will hear reports of wars and ongoing conflicts and then Christ tells us "Be not troubled."

Why? Because God tells us that wars and conflicts must come to pass.

Wars and conflicts will not cease until the Lord Jesus Christ rules and reigns on earth as in heaven!

We find comfort in God's Word because His wisdom and foreknowledge are infinite. 

He knows the beginning and end of each life throughout all history.

God knows the details of history before it ever happens and His prophecies and plans are founded upon His perfect Omniscience.

The unchangeable nature of God's Word governs all events, and this truth fills our heart and spirit with comfort and consolation.

He comforts us by telling us what to expect so that when wars and conflicts continue to happen, we will not be scared or shocked.

Matthew 24:7-8  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8  All these are the beginning of sorrows. 

Jesus went on to say that nations and kingdoms will continue to rise up in war and conflict, even when doing so causes great sorrow, misery and death.

As we observe wars in our day, it seems like men who instigate war have lost complete touch with the ugly, long enduring consequences of conflict.

Public utilities or civilian infrastructure are often destroyed, leaving innocent civilians scrambling to stay warm in winter and cool in summer.

Crops and farms are often destroyed, leaving people trying to find food to eat and clean water to drink.

A natural consequence of war is the spread of famine and disease.

All of these traits happened in the past, are happening  now and will remain until the of the world arrives.

All of these traits describe the end times or last days, as it is sometimes called.

We will find that the singular distinguishing feature is going to be an intensifying of calamatous events, such that they worsen as the end gets closer.

Something different that does not generally go along with war and conflict is the manifestation of geophysical issues.

Jesus said that the end of the world will be notable for more than normal earthquakes in many different nations.

Having said such sober truths to His disciples, Jesus then forewarned that those troubles are only the beginning of sorrows.

Jesus said earlier that "the end is not yet" meaning that when wars and conflicts intensify beyond historical norms, there will be much more to come (See Matthew 24:6).

This is why our Lord said that natural calamities and constant conflicts are the beginning of sorrows.

The word translated "sorrows" is a word used to describe the pains of childbirth, when labor pains increase in frequency and severity until a child is delivered.

This means that as the end of the world draws nearer, people everywhere are going to suffer progressively worse anguish and immense suffering.

We must keep this truth in our minds. 

Jesus described the end of the world using normal situations like war or famine that are easily understood.

The biggest change will be in the frequency and intensity of end time traits.

One other truth we must remember is that God did judge the Jewish people because they rejected their Messiah by crucifying Jesus, the Son of God.

Jerusalem was invaded and destroyed in 69 A.D. 

Roman soldiers killed many Jews while many others were enslaved or dispersed into Asia, Europe or Africa.

Jews remained dispersed globally until the modern state of Israel was formed on May 14, 1948.

These historical events represent a partial fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy because a final fulfillment will happen during the tribulation period in the future.

It may help us to see what the prophets of God said many centuries before Christ was born.

Ezekiel 7:1-4  Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2  Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land. 3  Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations. 4  And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. 

Ezekiel prophesied to Jews in Babylon who had been deported from Judaea before Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. 

His prophecies spoke of the eminent destruction of Jerusalem and the lack of hope of escaping the judgment of Jehovah for their sins.

His prophecy was literally fulfilled, but it also looks forward to the day of the LORD judgment when the Jewish people will again face grave danger.

This day of the LORD judgment is connected with the end times Jesus spoke of.

It will be the final demise for all sinners, but it will be a new beginning for the Jewish people.

We see that God knows our sins and because He is holy and righteous, He will judge us for them.

However, God is also loving, merciful and gracious and He will forgive all who confess and repent of their sins and put their trust in His Son, Jesus Christ. 

Ezekiel 7:24-27  Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled. 25  Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. 26  Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients. 27  The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD. 

It is good to read the books of Daniel and Revelation as they also speak of the end times.

This prophecy had a partial fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 69 A.D.

Yet, there is also a future fulfillment when the end comes. 

The antichrist will lead all nations to surround Jerusalem in order destroy it and the Jewish people.

All nations will attempt to fight against Jesus, the King of kings but He will destroy them (See Revelation 19). 

The worst of the heathen or Gentile nations will wage war against the Jews and Jerusalem.

They will destroy the holy city and desecrate the temple.

Rumors of wars and conflicts will spread like wildfire and the people will desire a word from God, but He will not send any prophet.

Ezekiel tells us that Israel's priests failed to teach God's holy law to the Jewish people as dark times descend upon them.

Paul tells us that when the antichrist rules that many people will apostatize from the truth of scriptures.

Troubles begin in homes, churches and nations when Pastors, parishioners, parents and church leaders set aside the scriptures.

Troubles in relationships begin when anyone sets the scriptures aside to listen to a voice other God's.

Jesus stated that these things (Wars, conflicts, disease, famine, earthquakes) will mark the end of the world.

They will greatly intensify beyond what is considered normal, just like the contractions increase in frequency and severity when a mom is about to give birth to her baby.

Our joy and duty is to keep our mind, soul and heart anchored to God and His Word, so that we love and serve Him no matter how terrible things become.

Let us consider the wise and hope filled words from Moses, the Psalmist and one of the prophets.

Deuteronomy 31:6  Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 

Moses was guided by the Holy Spirit to write words of encouragement for Joshua because the young man was going to take over when Moses died.

Moses said to be strong, be courageous and do not fear the enemy because Jehovah goes with His redeemed people. He will never abandon or leave us. 

Psalm 9:17-20  The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. 18  For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. 19  Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight. 20  Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah. 

King David wrote Psalm 9 and he reminds us that all people or nations who turn away from God, who live as if God does not exist, will be turned into Hell.

This is why there is so much senseless crime, hate mongering, endless wars and conflicts in the world today.

Each day as a nation, we seem to slide farther away from God and His Word.

Each day we read or hear about increasingly heinous acts committed against innocent people.

The radical Islamic regime in Iran hates their own citizens and routinely tries to wipe them out or stifle their voices.

Communist nations like Russia and North Korea tried to wipe out all traces of Christianity and God and their culture bears out the truth of what the Psalmist declared. 

When the wicked govern any nation, that people will experience Hell on earth.

God's judgment is the only remedy that can shock a nation's conscience such that people might repent and call upon the LORD.

Psalm 33:8-11  Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 9  For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. 10  The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. 11  The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. 12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. 

In this text, the Psalmist reminds us of the limitless power of God, the perfect wisdom of God and the power of His Word.

God spoke and created all things by His Word. Hegoverns and sustains all things by His powerful Word (See Genesis 1-2; Hebrews 1:3).

Wicked men and corrupt regimes may plot against Christians, against God's Word and against God, but He laughs at their feeble efforts and hold them in derision (See Psalm 2).

All plots of men and schemes of Satan will be extinguished because God's Word and decrees stand firm forever.

What God will happen exactly as He said and in accord with His perfect plan and timing.

A nation or people who seek God and live in accord with His Word will be blessed. 

This has been proven true many times and was true of America until the 1960's.

Isaiah 35:1-4  The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 2  It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. 3  Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4  Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. 

Jesus will rule and reign as King of kings and He will restore the earth to its creation glory.

WIlderness areas will become fruitful and the deserts shall be made frehs and new.

Vegetation will once again flourish and proliferate on earth. 

People's hearts will be full of joy and singing praises to God.

The glory of God will be on full display in His kingdom.

These things are true and give us hope for a new heaven and a new earth just as God said He would do.

Therefore, we are encouraged to gird up our loins and be strong, be of good courage and know that God is for us.

He will send His Son, Jesus Christ to deliver His people, especially the Jews, from teh wrath and troubles to come.

John saw a vision of the risen glorified Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Let us close this post by reading about our King, our Savior, our Eternal High Priest in heaven. 

Let us continue to ask the Spirit of God to help us understand prophetic complexities and where Christ's church fits into His plan.

Bob

Revelation 1:12-18  And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13  And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14  His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15  And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16  And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17  And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.