Egyptian Empire
Assyrian Empire
Persian Empire
Alexander the Great
How about the Fall of the know world - the Roman Empire?
Barbarian invasions
How about the Viking raids of th 8th and 9th century?
How about the plague?
What about the Muslim invasions of Europe and the Crusades?
What about the 100 years War?
The extermination of the Aztec / Mayan / Inca civilizations?
The North American Indians?
The colonization of Africa?
Napoleon / Lenin / Stalin / Pol Pot / Hitler / Mao / etc
"Wars and rumors of wars", "Earthquakes" all meant be watchful because it could be anytime! All these things have been daily events since the beginning of time and will be so until the end.
All true, and I in no way expect that Jesus will return in my lifetime, although it would be very cool! But Jesus does also mention these things to us:
[The Lesson of the Fig Tree]
[29] And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. [30] As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. [31] So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
(Luke 21:29-31 ESV)
Now, I'm not saying that the 'fig tree' is the nation of Israel...it might be, but just as much might not be. But it is clear that Jesus is implying that we can have some understanding in regards to the lateness of the hour by the happens of our world.
[6] And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
(Matthew 24:6-8 ESV)
He tells us that these things are like birth pains. And let me tell you, as one who has experianced such pains, that while they start off not to bad, as they go along they become harder, more painful, until they are on top of each other...no break. So we can expect these things...earthquakes and such, to keep coming, more frequently, with more destruction.
[28] Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
(Luke 21:28 ESV)
I don't believe in date setting, but I do watch the world. The Lord tells us not to seek signs, but to look for His coming.By watching these things that Jesus talk about come closer and closer together, we will, I believe, be like the servant who was prepared for his masters return, whenever that may be.
I can be a tricky thing to expect His coming soon, but to wait patiently as well. Too often people date set, which is wrong, but I believe that ignoring it and denying it is just as wrong.
Besides, don't you love the thought that Jesus could be back, even this afternoon? I love living with that idea, and I'm never disapointed when that day passes, because I know one day He will return, and on that day I'll still be expecting HIm!
I'm thinking it will be closer to June 15 at 6:30 pm central.
I have some exams on June 13, at 2pm. How about then? Then would be good!!
