A few folks have asked me if I think the coronavirus is a sign of the end of the world. The short answer is: absolutely!
The Bible convincingly teaches this in three ways.
- Jesus’s second coming is the end of the world. His first coming was his incarnation, when he took on flesh and was born in Bethlehem. He lived, died, rose and when he ascended into heaven, the angels said, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back” (Acts 1:11). Jesus’ ascension started the clock ticking on what Jesus once called “the end of the age” (Matthew 13:49). We are living in the end times right now, as everyone since Jesus ascended, and as everyone until Jesus returns.
- Jesus’s disciples once asked him, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age” (Matthew 24:3). Jesus then mentioned people being deceived, earthquakes, famines, governments striving for power, persecution, wars, Christians turning away from the faith, false teaching, and also the gospel being preached to all nations—Jesus is still in charge.
- Besides Jesus, the apostles like John in Revelation and the prophet Daniel in the Old Testament reveal God’s clear clues or signs of the times, which according to Jesus “are the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8). Birth pains tell a pregnant mommy to politely suggest to her husband that something big is going to happen. Signs of the times tell us that something big is going to happen. Today we are 2,000 years closer to Jesus’ second coming than when Jesus spoke these words. We are living in the end times. Don’t deny it. Don’t ignore it. Don’t be scared. Be prepared.
Why do Jesus, the apostles, and prophets in the Bible tell us these things?
In Jesus’ own words, “See to it that you are not alarmed” (Matthew 24:6).
Something big is going to happen. We are getting closer to the end of the world. Don’t be scared. Be prepared. Listen carefully to Jesus. Focus on his promises. And anticipate heaven like a pregnant mommy anticipating a new child.
Scared?
No. Excited, eager and nervous yet prepared? Yes.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, you are coming soon. And you’re telling us that by the signs during these end times. Help me be prepared, not scared. And help me prepare others by living my faith and teaching your words. Have mercy on our world, Lord. Amen.
Further Meditation
Read Matthew chapter 24. These are clear teachings of Jesus to be aware of during the end times. Which of the signs of the end makes you most excited? most nervous? Which of them is most obvious in our world right now? Pray about it.