It has been a year now since hurricane Sandy hit the east coast of the United States and signs of devastation are still very evident.  This past year has been marked with floods, fires, hurricanes, tornados, school shootings, acts of terror—the list goes on; it seems that there is very little to differentiate it from the past twelve years, except the frequency and intensity of these disasters (according to a CNN report, there has been a sharp increase of 69% in terrorist attacks and 89% jump in fatalities between 2011 and 2012 – Daniel Burke, 10/28/13).

For many people, non-believers and Christians alike, there seem to be logical explanations like global warming, carbon footprints, blaming people with radical ideologies—anything apart from the hand of a spiritual enemy whose sole purpose to steal, kill, and destroy, or a sovereign God at work in the world to draw people into relationship with Him, warning of coming judgment on individuals and nations.

But what if there is more to all that is going on in the world?  Jesus, in speaking to His disciples, tells of “wars and rumors of wars…nations will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (Matthew 24:6, 7).  He goes on to tell his followers of impending persecution and deception, teaching the lesson of the fig tree—recognizing the summer season by its budding branches, and acknowledging the approaching end of human history as we know it by the harbingers of judgment.

And consider the verse set in the midst of these signs—“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).  Acts of terror, whether born in extremist religion or a grade school shooting, are blatant examples of lawlessness and the absence of love.  Regard for human life radically diminishes when the most vulnerable are not deemed worthy of respect or equal rights—in those situations, exceptions are made for “Thou shalt not kill!”

It has been interesting to journey through some of the Old Testament books, to form a picture of God’s relationship with rebellious mankind.  I have wondered about the United States in prophecy and the last days, and I have found a couple of abiding principles throughout the biblical history of Israel and the nations surrounding the promised land—God always dealt with the nations that had a direct impact on the lives of His people, whether they were neighboring (and most often hostile) nations, or conquering nations.  …and the Father consistently brought warnings and judgment to the Israelites when they adopted the culture, materialism, and values of the pagan nations surrounding them.

I recently watched the DVD, The Harbinger Decoded, written and narrated by Messianic Rabbi, Jonathan Cahn—based on his book, The Harbinger.  The video graphically brings to life a verse written by the prophet Isaiah many centuries ago—these words, spoken in pride and arrogance by the people of Israel, defy the authority of God, “The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with hewn stones; the sycamores are cut down, but we will replace them with cedars” (Isaiah 9:10).  Although God initially spoke this prophecy to the nation of Israel centuries ago, there exist some eerie parallels between that civilization and America today.

In the story, a mysterious man gives nine seals or harbingers, one at a time, to a reporter with the purpose of unlocking their secrets.  Starting with the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, which exposed a breach in American security, and systematically progressing through eight more specific signs, the author presents a clear picture of both impending judgment and hope of restoration through repentance.

Just as prophets long ago were denounced, persecuted, and killed, still today those who recognize God’s warnings for people to humble themselves and repent—and are willing to speak boldly in the name of Jesus—are vilified, condemned, and persecuted.  …and just as it occurred before our Messiah came the first time, it will happen again when He returns—“Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?  And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One” (Acts 7:52).

Our God, who never changes, “is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), spoke these timeless words to king Solomon:  “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).  God is not a “special interest” God; instead, He invites believers to humble themselves, to pray, to seek audience with Him, and turn away from everything contrary His righteous ways.

The cry of my heart for my children and their families, as well as the people of God, is that we learn to live with humility, seeking the face of God, abiding in the presence of God, being filled with the Spirit of God, and heeding the Word of God.