Why the End Times (Prophecy and the Nativity part 10)

In Luke's gospel we find some interesting prophecies surrounding what is referred to as the Nativity or Birth of Christ. 

We begin with a couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth. They were childless, as Elizabeth was barren and they were both advanced in years. Zacharias was a priest of the division of Abijah, and it was his turn to enter the temple and offer incense before the Lord.

While interceding, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him that his wife would bear a son and he was to name him John. It would be this child who would grow up to go before the Lord in the Spirit and power of Elijah in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord (Luke 1:1-27, see Isaiah 40:3-5, Malachi 3:1-4, 4:5-6).

A casual reading of this passage might lead one to think that Zacharias was praying for a son, and that the angel came to him with the answer. I disagree with that however. The role of a priest was to be an intermediary between the people and God. When Zacharias was burning incense before the Lord he was interceding on behalf of the nation, with the people standing outside the temple in prayer as well. The turning of the nation back to God, and its final restoration was in view. The angel's answer supports this.

After this, the angel Gabriel appeared to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, whose name was Mary (Luke 1:26-38). He told her that she would concieve a child by the power of the Holy Spirit. She was to name this child Jesus. He, she was told,

"Will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."

Luke 1:32-33 NASB

One can only imagine how staggering this news would be. Mary had just been told that she was to bear the long awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant. He would be the one who would ultimately defeat the serpent, and reverse the curse.

In what is often referred to as the "Magnificat" Mary rejoices over the blessedness of being chosen by God to be part of this monumental event, a fulfillment of prophecy uniting and bringing reconciliation to the Abrahamic, the Mosaic, and Davidic covenants, and ultimately the redemption of the nation (Luke 1:46-55). She states,

"He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever."

Luke 1:54-55 NASB

Following the birth of John the Baptist, on the day he was to be circumcised, his father Zacharias prophecied under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant-as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old-salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES, and FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US; To show mercy to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness all our days."

Luke 1:68-75 NASB

These quotes show us that God had not forgotten nor replaced Israel. He had made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, a covenant that He would fulfill.

Zacharias goes on to prophesy that his son, John, would go on to be the one to prepare the way for the Lord. He would give the people "knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins." (Luke 1:76-79)

There was a messianic fervor in those days. People were longing for the one to come who would deliver them from Roman occupation. The nation had suffered under the control of Assyria, then Babylon. They were allowed to return after Babylon was conquered by the Medo-Persian empire, however many had chosen to remain. Those who returned to rebuild struggled. When Antiochus Epiphanes, a ruler who arose out of the fractured Greek empire, invaded Israel, he dominated them with extreme cruelty. In what is known as the Maccabean revolt they defeated him, breaking free from his oppression. This was recent history, a little over a century previous. It must have been fresh in their minds, as they now fell under the rule of Rome.

Zealots rose up, looking to overthrow the Roman government. When Jesus grew up and began His ministry many were hopeful that He would be the one to defeat the Roman government. The religious leaders of the day were afraid of this, as they feared Rome would crush them if they sensed a revolt was in the works. This, in a large measure set up the events that led to the arrest and crucifixion of Christ. 

But not everyone had this "take them by force" mentality. There were those who understood that sin was the issue. They knew that until sin was dealt with, until it was put away nationally, and the people as a whole returned to the Lord their God, they would still be subject to the discipline of God. They understood the covenants. Repentance was needed before deliverance could come.

Two such individuals are mentioned on the day Jesus was brought to the temple in Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord (Luke 2:21-24).

There was a man named Simeon who was righteous and devout. Scripture tells us that he was looking for the "consolation of Israel". This is a term referring to the day when Israel's trouble is over. In Isaiah 40:1-5 we read this,

"Comfort, O comfort My people," says your God. "Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins."

A voice is calling, "Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; and let the rough ground become a plain, and the rugged terrain a broad valley; then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

This prophecy was given over a century before the Babylonian captivity. It looks out into the future to the day when Israel has come out of its final trial never to be uprooted and conquered again. That is the day when the glory of the Lord will be revealed as their Messiah dwells among them.

While it looks towards the glorious return of Christ to reign in Jerusalem, it includes His first coming as well. This is a well known passage that also refers to John the Baptist, the one who went before Jesus, to prepare His way. 

The imagery of leveled mountains and raised valleys speak of the preparation of a path or road to make ones travel smooth and easy. It is quite interesting to consider that when Christ returns the second time the topography of the land will be literally changed like this due to cataclysmic events prior to His coming.

Simeon came into the temple, with the Holy Spirit upon him. He was told by the Spirit that he would live to see the Messiah (Luke 2:25-27). Holding the infant in his arms he said this,

"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of your people Israel."

Luke 2:29-32 NASB

The theme is consistent in these passages. With the birth of Jesus the Messiah Israel's redemption is coming. What hope this must have offered to those who heard these things. Simeon goes further to state that Jesus would be a light to the Gentiles as well. This, as well as all of the prophecies that we have just read are not new revelations. They follow the theme of the ancient prophets. The scriptures foretold  these things long before.

"Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice, He will not be disheartened or crushed until He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law." 

Thus says God the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and it's offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and Spirit to those who walk in it, "I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you, and I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison."

Isaiah 42:1-7 NASB

Listen to Me , O islands, and pay attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me. He has made My mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; and He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver. He said to Me, "You are My servant Israel, in whom I will show My glory." But I said, "I have toiled in vain, I have spent My strength nothing and vanity; yet surely the justice due Me is with the LORD, and My reward with My God " 

And now says the LORD who formed Me from the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel might be gathered to Him ( for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and My God is My strength), He says, "It is too small a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved ones if Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth." 

Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and it's Holy One, to the despised One, to the One abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers, "Kings will see and arise, princes will also bow down, because of the LORD who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel who has chosen You." 

Thus says the LORD, "In a favorable time I have answered You, and in a day of salvation I have helped You; and I will keep you and give You for a covenant of the people, to restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages; saying to those who are bound, 'Go forth,' to those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves,' along the roads they will feed, and their pasture will be on all bare heights. They will neither hunger or thirst, nor will the scorching or sun strike them down; for He who has compassion on them will lead them and will guide them to springs of water. "I will make all My mountains a road, and My highways will be raised up. Behold these will come from afar, and lo, these will come from the North and from the west, and these from the land of Sinim." 

Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth! Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people and will have compassion on His afflicted.

Isaiah 49:1-13 NASB

These two prophecies fortell events that encompass the life and ministry of Jesus all the way up to the day He comes again to establish His kingdom upon the earth. 

We read of his gentleness and care for the lowly and marginalized. We also see that He was rejected by the very people He came to turn back to God. But God did not reject the nation. Jesus came as a "covenant" to the people. In Him all of God's promises are "Yes and Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Paul writes that Jesus became a servant to the circumcision (the Jews) to confirm the covenant promises that were made to the fathers. And not only that, but to bring salvation to the Gentiles as well (Romans 15:8-12). This is exactly what we have just read in the two passages above.

When Jesus was arrested and put to death many must have viewed his life and work as a failure. But this apparent failure was actually the greatest victory the world will ever know. Jesus' death in that cross was the event that led to the defeat of the serpent. Three days later He rose victorious over sin and death, and now waits for the time when He will come again and bring ultimate restoration to Israel, and not only Israel, but the nations (Acts 3:19-21).

The last individual I would like to mention was a prophetess name Anna. She was a widow who lost her husband after seven years of marriage. She was now eighty four years old. She never left the temple, but spent her time in fasting and prayer. Upon seeing the Christ child she gave thanks to God and continued to speak of Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38).

In Isaiah 62:6-7 we read that God has appointed watchmen to pray day and night, giving the LORD no rest, until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Anna the prophetess was one of these watchmen. We are told in the Psalms to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-7). The Hebrew word translated as peace is "Shalom". This word is rich with meaning that goes far beyond a mere absence of conflict. It embodies the idea of wholeness, to be complete, to be in health, and to prosper. It carries the theme of harmony within the entire creation, right relationship between one another, and right relationship with God. The presence of God within the midst of His people is central to this idea of shalom with the ultimate return of the creation back to the garden of Eden. 

As we read of the millennial age, and the final transition into the eternal state we see this come to fruition. Numerous Old Testament passages speak of an age of peace where war ceases to be, and even animals lie down in peace (Isaiah 2:4, 11:6). 

The New Testament closes with this final return to the garden. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 describe a new heavens and new earth where God dwells among his people. We read of the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, the tree of life, the reversal of the curse, and seeing Jesus face to face. There will be no more pain, suffering and death. No sin or unrighteousness will exist in this city. This is what true shalom will look like. 

At Christmas time we often sing "O come, O come Emanuel", probably my favorite song this time of year. Listen to the first verse and chorus.

O come, O come, Emanuel, and ransome captive Israel.

Who sits in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice 

Rejoice

Emanuel, 

shall come to you O Israel.

Yes, when Jesus returns and makes all things new, those of us who are Gentile believers will be blessed beyond measure. However, God has bound Himself to a people He has chosen, making an irrevocable covenant with them. He will not forget them.

Why the End Times (What Jesus Taught part 9)

So far I have primarily used the Old Testament to show what Moses and the prophets said about the last days. There is more that I will return to in future posts, but for this one I would like to look at the words of Jesus. What did He have to say about the time of the end?

In what has come to be known as the Olivet discourse Jesus sets down a timeline of events that give us a pretty good picture of what to look for as the events leading up to His second coming begin to unfold. This teaching can be found in Matthew 24 -25, Mark 13, and Luke 21. I encourage everyone to read and study what Jesus had to say on this topic. I will quote verses out of these chapters to show how Jesus gave a chronological order to these events; an order that closely follows what is also found in many of the prophecies found in the book of Revelation, and backed up by numerous Old Testament passages.

In response to the disciples question, "When will these things happen, and what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matt 25:3) Jesus answers,

"See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ, and will mislead many."'

Matthew 24:4-5

Jesus first and foremost warns against deception. We live in an age where deception is prevalent, and is only going to get worse. As the events of the last days arrive they will bring with them a level deception that the world has not yet seen. Jesus warns,

"For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance " 

Matthew 24:24-25 NASB

Paul warns of increased deception in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12. He states that we must not let anyone decieve us concerning the return of Christ. He then proceeds to tell of an individual who will come and sit in the temple and exalts himself as God. This individual whom we can refer to as the Antichrist will come empowered by Satan with all power, signs, and false wonders, misleading multitudes. This will be a dangerous time, and the love of truth will be vital, as God Himself will send a deluding influence on those who refuse to believe the truth.

Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, "Come."

I looked, and behold a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

Revelation 6:1-2 NASB

There have always been individuals who claim to be a Messiah, and some who actually claim to be Jesus. But there is an individual who will come at some point and confirm a seven year covenant or treaty between Israel and her neighbors ( Daniel 9:26-27). This is a covenant he never intends to keep. His goal is to deceive them so that he can destroy them. His rise to power will be shrouded in deception, and tragically the world will go after him (Rev 13:3-4).

"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See to it that you are not frightened, for these things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes."

Matthew 24:6-7 NASB

Jesus now states that wars and threats of war will preceed His return. As a result of these conflicts famines in various places will occur. 

In discussions over end times events many people look at the historical wars as what Jesus is talking about. They go back to the Civil war,  the World wars, Viet Nam, Desert Storm etc. and mention how it's just getting worse, Jesus must be coming soon, it's all in the Bible. But Jesus is focusing on specific actions that occur perhaps just prior to, and within the first few years of the seven year covenant that Israel has fallen for. These events are foretold in scripture.

When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creatures saying "Come." And another, a red horse, went out, and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him. 

When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come"  I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of wheat for a denarius, and do not damage the oil and the wine."

Revelation 6:3-6 NASB

When Jesus speaks of "nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom", He is referencing a passage found in Isaiah 19 concerning conflicts within Egypt in the final days. Ultimately Egypt will fall to a cruel taskmaster, a mighty king who will rule over them (Isaiah 19:1-4).

Daniel prophesies that the "king of the North", another name for the Antichrist, will attack Egypt, in his attempt at unifying ten nations under his control. This will lead to three major North African nations coming under his power (Daniel 7:23-24, 11:25-31, 43). 

We also read in Daniel 8:1-27 of a conflict in the Middle East between the Persian empire (modern day Iran), and Greece. Actually the word that has been translated as "Greece" is Javan, an ancient people descended from Noah who settled in the coastal region of the Mediterranean, into what is now modern day Turkey. 

Commentators often place this battle in history, between Persia and Alexander the great. After the death of Alexander the great, his kingdom was divided up between four generals, and the  fighting over territory among them led to the eventual rise of Antiochus Epiphanes. He is actually considered to be a type or foreshadowing of the Antichrist. However, there are verses that cannot be ignored. Twice in this chapter we read that this vision pertains to the time of the end ( Daniel 8:17-19, 26). 

There are those who place this entire vision into the time of the last days, others view it as starting with the fall of the Persian empire to Greece and then telescoping into the future with the coming of the Antichrist. I have seen arguments for both viewpoints. It is best to not be too dogmatic either way, and keep our eyes open as things unfold. This vision definitely has the arrival of the Antichrist in mind.

The conflicts that take place as the Antichrist rises to power will definitely have an effect on the world from an economic standpoint. War causes hardships including food shortages, and factor in the amount of oil that comes out of the Middle East, it is not to hard to see that the world would definitely be impacted in a negative way. 

As the world rushes towards these days we will see an uptick in natural disasters as well. Here Jesus mentions earthquakes. In Luke 21:25 He mentions fear caused by "the roaring of the sea and waves."  Revelation 11:19, and 16:21 mention a devastating hailstorm accompanied by a major earthquake. However these two events coincide with the timing of Christ's second coming. Jesus, in the verses we have just been looking at, tells us that these are merely the beginnings of the "birth pains."  All of this is leading to what is referred to as the great tribulation, a three and one half year period of intense persecution and misery at the hands of the Antichrist, who will be ultimately revealed at an event known as "the abomination of desolation."

"Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end shall come. Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! But pray that your flight will not be in winter, or on a Sabbath. For then there will be a great tribulation, such as not occured since the beginning of the world until now, not ever will."

Matthew 24:9-21 NASB

"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city; because these are days of vengeance, so that all things which are written will be fulfilled. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people; and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."

Luke 21:20-24 NASB

The breaking of the fourth and fifth seals follow this order.

When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, Come." I looked, and behold, an ashen horse, and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.

When the Lamb broke fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained, and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will you refrain from judging and avenging our blood from those who dwell on the earth?" And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

Revelation 6:7-11 NASB

There is a lot to unpack in these verses. Jesus gives us the sign to watch for that signals the start of the great tribulation. This event known as the abomination that causes desolation is foretold by Daniel in four places. 

In Daniel 8:9-14 we read of the "little horn" that magnifies itself to be equal with God and stops the sacrifices and tramples the sanctuary. 

Likewise in Daniel 9:27 we read of this same individual who makes a seven year covenant with many, but at the midpoint of this time period he stops the sacrifices, desecrates the temple and makes Jerusalem desolate.

The third mention is found in Daniel 11:31-37 The "king of the North" will become enraged, invade Israel and place the abomination of desolation. He will exalt himself above every god, and blaspheme against God himself. He will prosper in all of the things he does until the "indignation" is finished.

And finally in Daniel 12:11 we read that once the sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. A period of time 30 days longer than three and one half years.

It is interesting to note that Jesus mentions a great falling away in conjunction with the abomination of desolation. This is confirmed by the apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5. Paul is addressing a concern that some of the believers there had voiced. Apparently they were under the assumption that the day of the Lord had already come. It is important that we understand Paul's reply, because many get it wrong. 

Paul adresses "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him." (2 Thess 2:1)

This gathering is what is often referred to as the rapture. It is often taught that this event will occur first, then seven years later Jesus returns. But Paul refutes that teaching with his answer in these verses. If we read this section we see that two things must happen before Jesus comes and gathers us.

1. A great falling away.

2. The abomination that causes desolation.

Paul is adamant. He states,

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called God or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?

2 Thessalonians 2:3-5 NASB 

Paul is saying that there will be two unmistakable events that believers will see before Jesus returns and gathers them. Just like Jesus said, we who are alive in the time of the end will see the day when there is a great falling away; a day when brother betrays brother during a time of intense tribulation that follows the revelation of the Antichrist, who will desecrate the future temple in Jerusalem. The second coming of Christ, and our gathering to Him occur at one time, not two, at the end of the tribulation, as we will see.

Jesus gives another sign to watch for in Luke 21:20-24. The armies of the Antichrist will surround Jerusalem as he begins his invasion that starts the great tribulation. Jesus tells us that these will be days of vengeance, referring back to Leviticus 26:25 where we read of the vengeance against the broken covenant. The Gentile armies will trample the city until their time is fulfilled. 

In Revelation 11:2 we read that the Gentiles will trample the holy city for 42 months, that is three and one half years. Likewise Daniel shows us that the tribulation would be for a "time, times, and half a time." (Daniel 12:7) Again, three and one half years. This will be a time like no other in history. 

Why do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth? And why have all faces turned pale? Alas! For that day is great, there is none like it; it is the time of Jacob's distress , but he will be saved from it.

Jeremiah 30:6-7 NASB

"Now at that time Michael, the great Prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occured since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued."

Daniel 12:1 NASB

Jeremiah's ministry as a prophet covered the time period just before, and during the Babylonian captivity. Daniel's covered the time of the captivity and into the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian empire. These prophets experienced the hardship and cruelty of Babylon, yet what they foretold was coming in the last days would exceed that. What Jesus tells us about these coming days is in agreement. They will be days unlike anything that the world has ever seen, and will never see again for the absolute horror and destruction that will occur.

The Antichrist will make war against the saints and overcome them for a time, times, and half a time (Daniel 7:21-25). When the power of the holy people is shattered, all of this will be over ( Daniel 12:7). 

Zechariah foretells of the day when two thirds of the people in the land will perish, but one third will remain and be refined and tested. They will be the ones who will call on the Lord their God at Christ's second coming (Zechariah 13:8-9).

"Then if any one says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or,' There He is,' do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect."

Matthew 24:23-24 NASB

Along with all of its cruelty, this period of time will be filled with deception, as so called prophets and false messiahs seek to decieve. One individual is mentioned in Revelation 13:11-17. He is referred to as the false prophet (Rev 19:20). He will look like a "lamb" but speak as a "dragon". It is interesting to note that Islamic end times belief is that Isa (their version of Jesus) will return to destroy the Christians and the Jews. He will subject himself to the Mahdi ( their Messiah) to accomplish these things. It is a little uncanny to read this and compare it to what is found in Biblical prophecy.

The false prophet will cause all to worship the beast. He will perform great signs and wonders to decieve all who dwell on the earth. He will make an image of the beast, and causes it to speak. It is this individual who implements the "mark of the beast" so that it will be impossible to buy or sell without giving your allegiance to this kingdom.  

Jesus warns us however, not to be deceived by these things. His coming will be highly visible, and obvious to all (Matt 24:27).

"But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other." 

Matthew 24:28-31 NASB

"There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and in the earth dismay among the nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Luke 21:25-28 NASB

I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts it's unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

Revelation 6:12-17 NASB 

Immediately preceding the second coming of Jesus there will be cosmic signs in the heavens. What Jesus is describing here is foretold by Isaiah,

Behold the day of the LORD is coming, cruel, with fury and burning anger, to make the land a desolation; and He will exterminate its sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not flash forth their light; the sun will be dark when it rises and the moon will not shed its light. Thus I will punish the world for its evil.

Isaiah 13:9-11 NASB

And Joel records this,

"I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, Blood, fire, and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be delivered; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as the LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls."

Joel 2:28-32 NASB

There will be no missing this event. When these signs begin,  men's hearts will be filled with dread, for they know that they will face the wrath of Jesus, the Lamb. Yet we also read that as these final events take place believers are encouraged to look up, because their redemption is now coming. 

It is now, as He splits the sky, that the elect are gathered from one end of the sky to the other. When he comes, Israel will call upon Him, they now recognize Him, and mourn. This repentance will result in their salvation as a nation (Zechariah 12:10-11, 13:1). It is also the day that the beast and his armies will be destroyed at Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21).

Then He told them a parable; "Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place."

Luke 21:29-32 NASB 

Jesus has given us a timeline of events that lead up to His second coming. He does this so that we can be aware of what is coming and be prepared. While He tells us that no man knows the day or hour of His return (Matthew 24:26), we still have signposts, so to speak, that let us know where we are at as these things unfold. 

Jesus wants us watching and ready. This does not mean we are to merely study these things,  and sit back and watch for these events to occur. No, Jesus goes on to exhort us to action. To be prepared for His second coming involves action on our part (Matthew 24:42-46).

Matthew 25 records two parables, followed by the separation of the "sheep and goats."  In the first parable we have ten virgins, five wise, and five foolish. They took lamps with them, and went out to meet the bridegroom. The bridegroom was delaying his coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. Suddenly they were awakened with a shout. The bridegroom was coming!  Now the five wise virgins had extra oil for their lamps, so they were able to go out and meet the bridegroom. The foolish virgins rushed back to find more oil. They were not ready, and missed out, with devastating consequences (Matthew 25:1-13). 

The lesson here is that of spiritual readiness. Always be ready and right with God. His coming may not come for a while, and the opportunity for complacency is a dangerous reality. We dare not let it set in, but we must always be "on fire" for our Lord Jesus Christ.

The second parable concerns a man who was going on a journey. He entrusted his slaves with his possessions, expecting them to use them wisely, so that when he returned he would have an increase. Each one was given a different amount, and he only  expected an increase in proportion to what they had been given. Two of the servants obeyed, and when the master returned he was overjoyed by their faithfulness. The third slave, the one who had received the smallest amount, did not use the little he had. In fact, he buried it in the ground, and just left it. Again, the consequences were fatal to this disobedient slave ( Matthew 25:14-30).

Likewise, we are expected to use the gifts and abilities that God has given us to advance His kingdom on this earth, while we are waiting for Christ's return, when His Kingdom will be consummated. 

When Jesus returns He will gather the nations and separate them according to their deeds. Did they feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and those in prison, welcome the stranger? These acts of kindness reflect our commitment to Jesus. We either love Him, and that love will express itself in loving the "least of these", or we don't. A lack of love shown to the needy around us is only a reflection of our lack of love and commitment to Christ and His cause (Matthew 25:31-46). 

Ultimately this sheep and goat judgement will be about the treatment of the Jews during their darkest night (Joel 3:1-3). If we can't love the needy and marginalized around us today, do we think that we will brave the dangers of the tribulation to reach out and love others then? Remember Jesus plainly says that the love of most will grow cold.

During the tribulation the Jews will be scattered throughout the nations. Will the Church step up and hide them, feed them, clothe them, minister to them, lead them to Jesus, their coming Messiah? I know many believe that the Church will be gone, safe in heaven, when these days come. But we have been joined at the hip with them, so to speak. We have been grafted in to the vine, enriched by the same root. (Romans 11:19-32). We were once alienated from God's covenants and chosen people, but now through Christ we have been brought in (Ephesians 2:11-20). We have one final mission during the hardest time the world will ever see. We must help our brethren come into their salvation. Yes, we will face persecution. Multitudes of believers will be martyred during these days (Revelation 7:9-17, 20:4), but this gospel of the kingdom must be procaimed in all the world, and then the end will come ( Matthew 24:14). Will we rise up and be the people that we have been called to be?