The year 2020, which at the onset many said would be a year where people would have clarified vision, presented just that…only it wasn’t in the way they anticipated. Allow me to explain…
In Matthew 24, the disciples went to Jesus in private and asked Him to give them some inside information. They wanted to know what would be the sign of His return and of the end of the world?
Jesus goes on to give them a detailed reply. Within Jesus’ response, He says in Matthew 24:7, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” When we read that “nation shall rise against nation” this doesn’t mean countries will fight one another. The word nation in this verse is translated from the Greek word ethnos which means a race.
As a result of the events of this year following the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, our understanding of this verse has been clarified like never before. Our vision is 2020. We have witnessed with our very eyes the fulfillment of verse 7. Race against race. As I photographed one of the many protests, I couldn’t help but think, “I’m witnessing the fulfillment of Matthew 24.” It has been ongoing in America, but with the influence of the media, it has come to a boiling point this year. Jesus shared this sign with the disciples before His death, burial, and Resurrection. God saw fit to have it recorded for future generations of the Body of Christ to have as a sign of the return of Jesus.
Does this mean Race Against Race is something God designed because He told us it was going to happen? Not at all! Jesus was merely answering the disciples’ question of what would be the sign of His return. We must not confuse God’s omniscience with His will.
This verse alone goes on to give some other signs that have also been evident in 2020:
- Kingdom against kingdom – We’ve seen regions, countries, and areas ruled by different political leaders with their own agendas against one-another (look at the COVID-19 blame game).
- Famines – Worldwide food shortages have occurred due to government imposed shutdowns.
- Pestilences – Coronavirus aka COVID-19
- Earthquakes – There have been an obscene number of earthquakes this year. Many were unreported due to the pandemic and social injustice media coverage. We experienced an earthquake today in Michigan that shook my home. Earthquakes in Michigan? Jesus did say in divers places.
All of this points to the truth that the return of Jesus is imminent. We must be ready! God loves us so much to share with us in advance for us to be prepared. If you’re someone who doesn’t know Jesus, then consider this to be a sign to you. Maybe you just happened to come across my page today? It is not by accident. Jesus loves you so much that He died on the Cross and carried every sin for you. How is this love you may ask?
Imagine you did something heinous and was about to face a firing squad of automatic weapons because of it. But in comes someone who pushes you out of the way and takes every bullet in your place, receiving the punishment of death that was aimed at you. This man was innocent and had nothing to do with your crimes, yet he took your punishment.
What Jesus did for you and for all of mankind is similar to this. Because of sin and sin nature as a result of Adam’s sin (read Genesis 3 and Romans 5:12-17), mankind was headed to Hell. But God sent His innocent, perfect Son to the Cross, where He carried our sins. Then He went to Hell in our place. But three days later, He rose by the power of God and defeated death! If you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and receive His gift of salvation, you can change your course from eternal death to eternal life in Christ.
I invite you to pray this prayer and mean it from your heart:
Dear Lord,
I am sorry. Please forgive me of my sins.
I believe you died on the Cross, where you carried my sins for me.
You went to Hell in my place, but I believe you have risen and are alive now.
I receive you as my Savior and as the Master of my life.
I turn away from sin and choose to live my life for you.
If you prayed this prayer today, then you have made a decision to live for Christ. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I encourage you to study more about what I shared in these few paragraphs. Start by reading in the Bible about how much God loves you in John 3:16. Then ready the entire book of John to understand more about God’s love for you and Jesus’ ministry on this earth.
While doing this, it is also important to find a Bible believing assembly of believers where you can connect with others and grow in the Word of God. I would be happy to help you in your search. Feel free to contact me.
