Signs of the apocalypse

The Oxford English Dictionary defines apocalypse as "a terrible event in which everything is destroyed". In Christian circles, the term has come to signify climactic events while will occur at the end of time. At the culmination of a series of disastrous events, Jesus Christ will return to earth, to judge humanity, punish the wicked and reward the virtuous.

One day, about 30 A.D., on the Mount of Olives, Jesus Himself answered the Apostles' query about the signs which would herald the end the age and proclaim His imminent return. These are the occurrences He prophesied:

* "Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying 'I am the Messiah' and they will lead many astray". Matthew 24: 4-5 (NRSV) .

There have been many false messiahs. Since the beginning of the twentieth century alone, the world has witnessed:

(a)Jim Jones, (1931-1978), who organized a mass murder and suicide ceremony for his cult members at Jonestown, Guyana.

(b) Marshall Applewhite, (1931-1997), leader of the Heaven's Gate cult. The group committed suicide in hopes of being taken up by a space ship which they believed was hiding behind the comet Hale-Bop.

(c) Sun Myung Moon, (1920- ), founder of the Unification Church.

(d) David Koresh, (1959-1993), leader of the Branch Davidians.

There have been many other false messiahs. I have only listed a few who are most well-known. A quick hunt using "Google" or any search engine will provide the names and details of numerous others.

* And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars..." Matthew 24: 6 (NRSV)

In the twentieth century, the world has witnessed World Wars 1 and 2, as well as many other regional conflicts. Between 35 to 40 million soldiers died in battle during this one- hundred-year period.

Conflicts continue to rage in Syria, Afghanistan and some African nations. More troubling yet, rumors of war between Western nations and nuclear powers such as Pakistan, Iran and North Korea continue to escalate. As more and more nations acquire weapons of mass destruction, it seems only a matter of time until some rogue nation acts irresponsibly, attacks a perceived enemy, and inadvertently sets off World War III.

* "...there will be famines..." Matthew 24: 7 (NRSV)

The number of people on the brink of starvation will reach a record high of 1.02 billion - or one-sixth of the global population, in 2009, the United Nations Food Organization predicts. Although enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet, we have not yet all learned to love our neighbors as ourselves and share our resources.

* "... and earthquakes in various places..." Matthew 24:7 (NRSV)

According to records kept since about 1900, about 17 major earthquakes (7.0 - 7.9 on the Richter Scale) and one great earthquake (8.0 or above) are expected in any given year.

* "Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another." Matthew 24: 10 (NRSV)

As I looked around church last weekend, I saw a vast preponderance of gray and balding heads. Members of the younger generation were conspicuously absent. To today's youth, church attendance is definitely "uncool".

The lack of unity among Christians is a scandal, not to mention the hatred existing between Christians and members of other faiths. How can religious individuals claim to honor the Creator, yet harbor such ill will towards His children, who feel sincerely called to follow another faith tradition?

Jesus foresaw this sad situation more than 2,000 years ago.

* "And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray." Matthew 24:11 (NRSV)

There are too many to list here. A few that spring to mind: Edgar Cayce, Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, Jean Dixon, L. Ron Hubbard, Benny Hinn, and Sun Myung Moon.

* "And because of the increase in lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold". Matthew 24:12

Surely the strongest love imaginable is that of a mother for her baby. Yet, since Roe v. Wade, 48 million babies have been aborted by their mothers in the United States. Coldness, indeed!

The legal union of a man and a woman in marriage is no longer the norm in large segments of North American society. Many are trying out a variety of relationships, natural and unnatural, in so-called "common-law" couplings.

 Children and youth, lacking stable roots and home lives, are seeking security by joining gangs. Lawlessness of all types, by younger and younger criminals is one of the more tragic results of the breakdown of family values.

* "This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world". Matthew 24: 14

Due to recent advances in communication technology, it is almost certain that the story of Jesus has been heard by nearly every person on earth. It is the duty of every Christian congregation to support their missionaries with prayers and funding so that the message is reinforced and nurtured. In this way the seeds of faith will grow, and Christianity will continue to spread.

 It appears that the criteria set forth by Jesus for the advent of the apocalypse has been accomplished. Yet, the Apostles, two thousand years ago, expected Christ to return within their lifetime. The date of His return is an enigma, a puzzle. We cannot know the hour or the day, and maybe it's just as well. Our best plan is to lead a good life and follow His advice:

"Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming". Matthew 24:42