We Shouldn't Be Surprised

By Gobel Brockman


     Many Christians have a keen interest in talking about prophecy and "the last days." As we watch the events that take place around us on a daily basis, that interest seems justified. The words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 are being played out right before our eyes. In Matthew 24, Jesus mentions many signs that we would see in "the last days" just before His return:

     "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. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." - Matthew 24:6-8

     I believe it is clear even to the casual observer that we are seeing these things take place in our world today. It is impossible to turn on the news or pick up a newspaper without learning of another threat (rumor) of war, another terror attack, or rising tension in the world. I don't mean to be the bearer of bad news, but I can tell you that in the days ahead it will only get worse. I encourage you to read the Scriptures I mentioned in the opening paragraph - you will see that what Jesus spoke of over 2,000 years ago is indeed being fulfilled before our eyes. But what I would like to mention this week is this: if you ask most people about the signs of the last days, they will probably mention these things: wars, famines, pestilences (diseases) and earthquakes. But Jesus mentioned something else in our Scripture that we are seeing increasing at an alarming rate:

     "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." - Matthew 24:10 (Emphasis mine)

     "Many shall be offended." Along with wars, diseases, and earthquakes, Jesus mentioned people being offended as another sign of the last days. All over the world, but especially here in America, we are seeing this take place. I will be blunt: our society has reached the point where people are seemingly looking for reasons to be offended. Every word, every joke, and even every facial expression is studied and scrutinized for "hidden meanings or secret messages." It takes very little to hurt people's feelings with mere words anymore. But while others are trying to understand this in political or sociological terms, I simply see it as another indication that Jesus knew exactly what He was talking about. What I'm saying is simply this:

     When we see the world becoming increasingly and easily offended, we shouldn't be surprised. Jesus gave us over 2,000 years advance notice that it was coming.

     I will end, however, by telling you that I am not disheartened by what is taking place in the world. Instead, I hang on with hope to these words of Jesus found in Luke 21:28

     "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

     While others are worried by terrorism, wars, civil unrest, and even the growing offenses of a fallen world, my hope is in the promises of Jesus Christ. I refuse to live in fear - my hope, my faith, and my security are in Him. My head will remain lifted high, because my redemption in Christ Jesus is at hand. I am at peace, because my trust is in Him. 

     What about you?