The whole entire world is at a standstill because of the current pandemic that is claiming the lives of many, bringing down economies and leaving thousands unemployed. Spirits of fear, anxiety, anger, depression, desperation and xenophobia are gripping the hearts and minds of countless individuals. I think about all the hopes, and dreams people had about this new year. How it seemed like everyone was echoing the same sentiments... "2020 is the year of vision" or "20/20 Vision in 2020."
I believe there are some truths to these statements. We ought to have a clear vision and understanding of the sign of the times. Throughout the Bible, the Lord used prophets to warn the people about their sins, prophecy of the Messiah and the last days. Even Jesus spoke to his disciples about the sign of the times in Luke 21:7-11.
7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Verse 11 really struck me in regards to the earthquakes, famines and pestilences. Since November 2019, the coronavirus has infected many in China and now all over the world. In the last seven days, there have been 119 earthquakes in various countries across the globe. 8 nations in East Africa are experiencing a plague of locusts that has caused devastation and famine to their land.
We are witnessing Jesus' warning to the disciples manifesting before our eyes in 2020! My heart has been so sober during this time. Seeking the Lord, repenting, humbling my heart and praying for His mercy. More than ever, we the church have to watch and pray. The world is experiencing darkness like it never has before. Men have turned away their hearts from God. They have accepted darkness and instead of the Light. Now the world is experiencing the consequences of our sins. We must repent and turn of hearts back to the Father. Speaking and proclaiming the gospel to our love ones, friends and followers on social media. We have to be the voice of reason and logic in this generation. The end is near and Christ's return is imminent.
Jesus revealed His return in verses 25-28 to his disciples:
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
These are the signs of the times. Our redemption is near and we will soon see our Redeemer coming in a cloud with power and great glory! I pray that your hearts will not fail and you will have hope that what we are experiencing will pass. Know that the Lord loves you and will be with you always until the end of this age (Matthew 28:20). We are a people of hope and promise. Continue to watch and pray.
