The challenge of the global pandemic brought on by the coronavirus has the world on edge. Many are asking is this the end of the world? Are we already in the Tribulation Period? The immediate answer is NO! We are not in the Tribulation. The Rapture has not occurred and the Antichrist has not been revealed. This is not the end of the word!
But what is happening is serious. Thousands of people are being affected worldwide by this epidemic. I believe it is a precursor of things to come. It is a warning from God. As terrible as the current crisis is, it is but a glimpse of the king of global judgments that one day will come upon the whole world.
The Book of Revelation predicts a series of divine judgments that will occur in the future. Seven seals reveal the wrath of the Lamb (Christ) on the unbelieving world (6:1-8:1). From the seventh seal came forth seven trumpets of judgment (8:2-11:15) and finally seven bowls of judgment, also called the seven last plagues (15:1-16:17). In each series of judgment, the wrath of God is poured out on the unredeemed world that has been left behind at the Rapture.
For the born-again believers, Jesus’ word is clear and reassuring. In Matthew 24:42-46, He told us to 1. “Keep watching for you do not know what hour your Lord will come.” 2. “Be ready, for in such an hour as you think not the Son of Man will come.” 3. “Keep serving until he comes. “Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he comes will find so doing.”
In Luke 21:11, Jesus predicted “And great earthquakes shall be in many places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” Then He added “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws night (Luke 21:25).
Practical Steps in Light of Bible Prophecy
What can we know for sure?
1. Life in a fallen world is full of trouble (Job 14:1)
2. Belief in the Rapture does not mean believers can always avoid trouble in this life (2 Timothy 3:12)
3. The promise of the Rapture will deliver us from the wrath of God, not the wrath of man or nature (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:9).
4. God can overrule the worst of circumstances to bring about His ultimate good purpose (Romans 8:28).
5. Our present suffering is temporary in light of our eternal glory (Romans 8:18).
6. Until the Lord returns to call us home our main goal is to glorify God with our lives (1 Corinthians 6:20).
7. In the meantime, pray for God’s grace, wisdom and protection on your family (Deuteronomy 4:30-31).
8. Live each day in the will of God (Romans 12:2).
9. Trust God to face each new day being led by His Spirit (John 14:16-18).
10. Spread the Gospel of grace and hope to family, friends and acquaintances (Mark 16:15).
Use this time to pray more, read God’s Word more, search your soul, share your faith and live each day to God’s glory. God bless you and your family.