I think it would be good to start by looking at Ephesians 5:15-16, “So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (NASB).  I realize that this war, and the great harm it has done to economies around the world, can be disheartening to many people.  If we are not careful, it can cause us to take our eyes off the Lord and fall into fear and depression.  War is always a terrible thing, with many people, often innocent people, losing their livelihoods, their homes, and their lives.  It seems like there is ALWAYS a war going on somewhere between nations.  Most of the time, we can see these wars are man’s desire to dominate others, man’s desire to enrich themselves, or man’s desire to harm others. It is shameful.

In Matthew 24, the Lord’s disciples asked Him about the end times.  Let’s read Matthew 24:1-6, “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”  The disciples were concerned about the events in the world and desired to learn of signs that would signify the Lord’s return to the earth to rule.  Many today are concerned with ongoing events, such as war, and wonder if this is a sign of the Lord’s return.  Christ’s response indicated there will always be wars or rumors of war, but this is not necessarily a sign of His return.  There have ALWAYS been wars in the world.

The return of the Lord to take out His church is called the Rapture.  There are absolutely no signs to indicate when that will occur.  In fact, the believers today are not told to WATCH for the Lord’s return to the air to rapture His church.  Rather, we are taught to WAIT for the Lord as we read in 1 Thessalonians 1:10 where we are instructed to, “…wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”  Realizing that, we should not be tossed about with uncertainty from those who think the current events are fulfilled prophesies.  They are not, necessarily.

However, with that being said, we do know that the Lord will return to set up His millennial kingdom on the earth seven years after the Rapture.  This seven-year period is known as the Tribulation Period.  It is possible that we might discern things being put into place for the Lord’s triumphant return to the earth.  What should we do if we think on the possibility of the Lord’s soon return?  We should live lives without sexual impropriety, we should not become lustful, we should be honest with all people, we should love one another, we should work hard, we should be sure to take care of our responsibilities, and we should be honest with all people.  (Read 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12).  Indeed, these behaviors should be found in us in all situations and at all times.  It is alarming what is going on around us.  As believers, let us not lose our focus to live for the Lord, represent Him in the world, and to share the Gospel of salvation with others.  In spite of desperate and uncertain times, we have the promise of God to provide for our every need. “And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).  (CC)  (723.2)