The Beginning...

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Matthew 24:6-8 ESV)

The fires in California are horrific. The loss of property and life is saddening and overwhelming. Yet, when we look at this tragedy, we should add it to the list of the precursors to the end of the age. We see the wars and rumors of wars Jesus spoke about in this passage. We see tornados, earthquakes, and hurricanes growing in frequency and intensity. We also know that God cleanses with fire. Later in Matthew 24, Jesus also talks about lawlessness, which is rampant in our society.

Look at where this fire is taking place; many have fled California for its lawlessness, homelessness, and inhabitability. It may be the epicenter of Godlessness in our country. The politicians in charge quote the Bible on billboards promoting abortion; this is an abomination before the Lord. So, why are we surprised by the destruction? God makes it a habit of displaying His righteousness, and while not everyone in California is godless, far from it, one of my favorite pastors John MacArthur in California, yet God will reveal his righteousness for His glory by whatever means He chooses.

While still a great loss, there are currently only 10 deaths amongst the thousands of acres scorched in California, it is apparent that God has been merciful with the population. Yet despite this devastation there are those preying on the displaced, looting and stealing amidst the losses. Brothers and sisters, I am not making light of or downplaying the devastation of the loss of life, and the material and financial losses of those in California; in fact, we should be praying for and helping them in every way possible. The losses are tragic and painful to watch.

When we look at the list of end-of-the-age birth pains, our list quickly populates into a mirror image of biblical eschatology. It is easy to feel worried, nervous, and anxious about the second coming of the Lord. However, we who are in Christ should be looking forward to the rapture of the church, a time when we will meet the Lord in the air and be removed from the time of tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:17). We should look with hopeful anticipation to the second coming of Christ and strive to spread the gospel to as many people as possible and make disciples of the Lord.

Pray for California, Ukraine, Israel, Africa, and the United States. Pray that humanity will turn from the prince of the power of the air and his wickedness and find salvation in the true King of kings and Lord of lords.

Do you know Jesus? If not, seek Him right now. There is no time like the present.

Grace and Peace