''God surely must have wanted us to learn about last-days events, because 30 percent of Scripture is dedicated to the subject. It is important to study Bible prophecy, because it not only teaches us about our future, but it also assures us that God keeps his promises. Just as surely as God kept his word with prophecies that foretold the arrival of the Messiah, he wants us to know that he will keep his word about the prophecies pertaining to his return.''
Every morning, I always check the weather, because I want to know how to dress. Will it be warm? Will it be cool? Will it be raining? But I have come to realize that my guess is as good as the so-called experts. So often they will say it will be clear, and then it rains. Or they will predict rain, and it is clear. But I can guarantee one way that it will rain: wash your car. It works every time.
Just as we can read the weather, Jesus said there would be signs of the times we need to look for that will indicate he is coming back again. He said, "You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:3 NIV).
Sometimes signs are not all that clear, and at other times, they are very clear. In the Bible, God has given us signs of the times, if you will, to be looking for that will signal the return of Jesus Christ. In my opinion, the following are without question signs of the times – signs that these are indeed the last days: the regathering of the Jewish people to their homeland of Israel; the isolation of Israel and threats to annihilate her; the growing nuclear threats from North Korea and Iran; the increase in global turmoil, ranging from increased earthquakes to tsunamis; the crash of the stock market and rapid changes in global economics; the fading of the United States as the economic superpower with the emergence of new nations; and the move toward a one-world currency.Jesus said we are to pay attention to the signs of the times. While the study of Bible prophecy is an endlessly fascinating subject, we must not approach it only with our minds, but also with our hearts. In other words, we don’t want to merely discuss these things in an academic way; they should also move us as individuals. The realization that judgment is coming on the world should impact us personally.
When God revealed to the prophet Daniel what was about to unfold in the future, he dropped to his knees. He was stunned. He was unable to say a word. Daniel's understanding of end-times events moved him deeply. And the same should happen to us. In fact, if we really understand what the Bible is saying about the imminent return of Jesus Christ, it should cause us to want to be on our toes spiritually. When Bible prophecy is properly taught and understood, it should move our hearts, giving us a sense of urgency and a desire to reach others.