In his first inaugural address, the President of the United States painted a bleak picture of difficult world conditions. The grave warning was no surprise to the millions who followed his election campaign, though many others refuse to accept the reality of such a treacherous future. Regardless of what revelation you choose to believe the speech was uncannily similar to Paul the apostle's vision of a future time. “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.”(2Tim. 3:1) The last days is an often used Bible term describing world events after the restoration of modern day Israel.
World War ll ended 72 years ago, but the effects are still felt in today's modern society. Two sleeping giants and one lost but equally powerful nation emerged from the ashes of that devastating war. The Soviet Union led by Russia and a backward China, both godless ideologies have emerged as world powers. In 1948 the tiny country of Israel was partially restored as a result of the war and a promise from God. “I have scattered you among many nations, but I will gather you together and bring you back from those nations. I will give the land of Israel back to you.”(Eze. 11:17) All three nations are players in the final hours of the last days.
The President has had much to say about China’s role in global affairs. Most of which revolves around her emerging economy and growing financial influence. But, the more urgent concern should focus on the massive build up of their military might. China sets due east of Israel and is the only nation in the world that could boast of a 200 million man army. “Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.”(Rev. 16:12-9:16) These verses reference the final global war and return of Jesus Christ to earth, ending the last days.
No one knows the specific time when Jesus will come back, but we are cautioned to watch and recognize the signs of the times. We should be excited about living in the last days. Three signs easily followed are the nations of Russia, China, and Israel, they will help us define our place in the prophetic time line. For more about the last days read, “Beam me up Commander” It's free!
