“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” — Luke 21:28
Every generation of believers has asked: Are we the ones living in the days leading up to Christ’s return? Wars, persecution, plagues, and political turmoil have always stirred that question.
Our time feels especially heavy. Headlines speak of conflict in Israel, Russia’s ambitions, political leaders shaping fragile alliances, persecution of Christians and Jews, the collapse of moral standards, and even geographic upheavals, wildfires, and extreme weather events never before seen. Jesus said: “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” — Matthew 24:7–8. Revelation also points to hail, fire, floods, and scorching heat as signs of coming judgment (Revelation 8:7; Revelation 16:8, 21).
At the same time, Scripture warns us not to set dates or jump to reckless conclusions (Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7). What it does call us to do is watch and pray (Matthew 24:42; Luke 21:36) so that we are not caught off guard.
Israel: The Prophetic Clock
Israel is once again at the heart of global attention. The war in Gaza continues with devastating loss of life. Military operations in the West Bank and threats from Hezbollah and Iran raise the possibility of a wider regional war.
The Bible has always placed Israel at the center of God’s plan. Jesus spoke of “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6). Ezekiel foresaw nations gathering against Israel (Ezekiel 38–39). Revelation shows the nations converging around the land of Israel in the final conflict (Revelation 16:14–16).
We can’t declare today’s wars as the direct fulfillment of those passages. But the fact that the world’s eyes remain fixed on Israel mirrors exactly what prophecy said would happen: Jerusalem as the center stage of history (Zechariah 12:2–3).
Russia: Echoes of Empire
Russia under Vladimir Putin continues its aggression in Ukraine while forging deeper ties in the Middle East. Many interpreters connect Russia with “Gog of the land of Magog” from Ezekiel 38:2–3, a northern power that will one day lead a coalition against Israel.
Whether or not that connection is precise, the pattern is familiar. Scripture describes arrogant rulers who exalt themselves (Daniel 7:8), and Paul speaks of a future “man of lawlessness” who deceives many (2 Thessalonians 2:3–10). Putin’s ambitions echo the biblical warning that empires will rise in opposition to God’s people.
Trump and the Covenant in Daniel 9:27
Few prophetic passages are more discussed than Daniel 9:27:
“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate…” — Daniel 9:27 (KJV)
Many interpreters believe this describes a future ruler who will confirm or strengthen a covenant involving Israel and many nations. The agreement will seem to secure peace but will later be broken halfway through, leading to desecration — what Jesus referred to as “the abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15).
Donald Trump has long cast himself as a deal-maker. During his presidency, he promoted the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Today, he continues to promote ceasefire talks and position himself in Middle East diplomacy.
Because of this, some prophecy watchers view his efforts as a possible foreshadowing of Daniel 9:27’s “covenant with many.” Others strongly caution: no peace agreement today matches the seven-year structure described in Scripture.
The lesson isn’t to assign titles, but to see the patterns. Scripture says future leaders will promise peace but break their word. Watching our world shows how quickly such dynamics could unfold.
The Persecution of Christians
Jesus warned: “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and kill you; and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.” — Matthew 24:9
That warning is alive today:
- In Michigan, worshippers were attacked in their church, leaving several dead.
- In Damascus, a Greek Orthodox church was bombed during services.
- In Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, believers were massacred while gathered for prayer.
- In the U.S., hundreds of incidents of arson, vandalism, and threats against churches are reported each year.
And there is the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Just before his death, he was asked in an interview what he most wanted to be remembered for. His answer was simple: his belief in Christ. Whatever one thinks of his politics, his testimony is clear. Jesus promised: “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” — Matthew 10:32. His life and final words remind us of the cost—and courage—of standing openly for faith.
Rising Antisemitism
Alongside persecution of Christians, antisemitism is increasing globally. Synagogues have been vandalized, schools threatened, and leaders attacked. College campuses, in particular, have become battlegrounds.
- At Columbia University, encampments and unrest led to accusations of antisemitic incidents and the resignation of President Minouche Shafik.
- Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned after controversy over her handling of antisemitism and testimony in Congress.
- Northwestern’s president also stepped down amid mounting pressure tied to antisemitism controversies.
These resignations show that antisemitism isn’t only about protests on the streets; it’s reshaping leadership in some of the nation’s most powerful institutions.
Scripture foretold such opposition. Zechariah said: “On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the peoples.” — Zechariah 12:3. Paul reassured believers: “Has God rejected his people? By no means!” — Romans 11:1–2.
The Decline of Moral Boundaries
Another sign is moral collapse. The internet has made pornography accessible to anyone, shaping minds and eroding families. Behaviors once considered shameful are now celebrated. Marriage, sexuality, and God’s design are under assault globally.
Paul warned: “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money… without self-control… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” — 2 Timothy 3:1–4.
Isaiah declared: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” — Isaiah 5:20.
Christians are called to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) and to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).
Technology and Prophecy
For the first time in history, technology allows many prophecies to be fulfilled literally:
- Global surveillance and digital systems now make it possible to control who buys and sells. Revelation warns of a time when “it causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark.” — Revelation 13:16–17.
- Artificial intelligence and deepfakes raise the possibility of deceptive “signs and wonders” Jesus warned of (Matthew 24:24).
- Instant worldwide communication makes it possible for “all peoples, tribes, and languages” to witness events at once (Revelation 11:9–10).
Technology is not evil in itself, but it shows how the framework for prophecy is already in place.
Living With Hope, Not Fear
The signs are sobering: Israel in conflict, Russia pressing forward, leaders making fragile deals, persecution of Christians and Jews, moral decline, rising antisemitism, and technology shaping a world of control. Add to this the natural disasters and upheavals we are seeing, and the picture can feel overwhelming.
But Jesus also said: “See to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” — Matthew 24:6
And He promised: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20
Paul reassured the church: “The Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
That is our hope. Not politics. Not treaties. Not peace deals. Christ alone.
A Call to Action
So what should we do?
- Pray — for Israel, for persecuted believers, for Jewish communities under threat.
- Strengthen your faith — through Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and obedience.
- Live with urgency — share Christ with others. If the world is in birth pains, now is the time to witness, not withdraw.
- Stand firm in hope — knowing that whatever comes, God’s promises will not fail.
Final Word
The world is shaking: Israel embattled, Russia ambitious, leaders making and breaking covenants, Christians persecuted, antisemitism spreading, morals collapsing, technology advancing, and disasters intensifying. These may be the “birth pains” Jesus described — Matthew 24:8 — or they may simply be God’s reminders that life is fragile and time is short.
Either way, the message is the same: be faithful, be prayerful, and be ready. Lift your head, not in fear of what is coming, but in hope of Who is coming.
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” — Matthew 24:44
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