As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3, ESV)
The disciples of Jesus asked Him about the signs of the end times. Disciples today are still asking this question.
In my thinking, I’ve changed the word “signs” to “symptoms,” as symptoms are subtle at first. The medical profession often diagnoses illness by asking about our symptoms. And if we are sick, our “symptoms” will typically get worse in both frequency and intensity.
The title of this Interruption is “Three Symptoms Of The End Days.” Do you sense something about our world – something desperately wrong and getting worse? Below are three Biblical symptoms of the end times.
As a medical professional would ask about your symptoms, I will ask you if you see the symptoms too . . .
- Distress
Jesus said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:10-11).
Questions …
Have you seen an increase in wars? How about the potential of the U.S.A. having a war with China?
Have there been catastrophic earthquakes recently?
How about great signs in the heavens, floating across the U.S.A. until shot down in the Atlantic Ocean?
- Confusion
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions (2 Timothy 4:3).
Questions …
Is the Bible maligned today?
Has a “love without constraint” swallowed up truth?
Is the Bible increasingly being interpreted according to gender confusion and passion instead of constraint and submission?
- Demons
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons (1 Timothy 4:1).
Questions …
Was Satan recently worshipped during a recent national awards program?
Increasingly, is evil presented as good and good as evil?
Have we considered where the increase of lascivious and violent behavior in our culture has its ultimate origin?
I could continue with several other symptoms of the end times, including false teachers, distraction, anxiety, injustice, persecution, and wealth denial.
But I won’t. After a disturbing diagnosis, it is best to hear about the cure by the Great Physician Himself …
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect (Matthew 24:44).