The title of this article is not some attempt at christian click-bait but a question that I have received from several curious Christians who are trying to make sense of our world. Seeing as several people have asked me this question personally I thought there might be a few of you with a similar question. So, here goes a risky foray into the turbulent waters of end times prediction. Let’s get right to it…
Is Covid-19 and the current global situation a sign of the end times?
Yes, without hesitation I would affirm that this virus and the resulting economic issues, mental health crisis, increase in suicide rates and various other horrific things happening around the world are all signs that we are in the last days/end times. We are in a time in history where sin prevails, creation groans, rulers and authorities are corrupted and tribulation seems to be around every corner. We are in the last days and, if I may add, have been for the past 2000 years, ever since Christ ascended to the right hand of the Father.
Hebrews 1 says this:
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Viruses, plagues, corruption, sin and evil in general should remind us that Christ has yet to come and establish his earthly kingdom in its fullest sense, we are still awaiting that great and glorious last day where all of these things will be no more… Satisfied?
No, of course you’re not, because the question is more about whether or not that great and glorious last day is imminent or upon us?
Is Covid-19 and the current global situation a sign that Christ’s return is upon us?
To that question I would answer, maybe. To be honest, I don’t know when Christ will return and neither does anyone else for that matter. Scripture seems to suggest that things will get pretty intense before his return but if we are honest is the current state of our world significantly worse now than when it was during the World Wars or bubonic plague or dark ages or under the horrific rule of Nero? If none of these times in history brought about the return of Christ then I am hesitant to think 2020 certainly will.
Still unsatisfied? That’s fair, but let me leave you with a challenge.
The Kingdom of God Is Alive and Well
I arrived at a burger joint several years ago a few minutes before they closed (13 minutes to be exact). I walked in past a sign that said open for business and ordered a burger and fries. The employee beyond the counter, putting her phone away sheepishly, looked at me and said, “Sorry, the grill and the fryer have already been cleaned and we can’t make you any food.” Apart from being frustrated and hungry, I was also confused how to understand their open for business sign. I don’t think the store owners would have been thrilled to find their employee shutting down early because the end was near.
COVID-19 may or may not be a sign that Christ’s return is upon us, but one thing I do know for certain is that The Kingdom of God is still open for business and our master has given us a task that we are to work at until the very end. So, amidst the interesting theories, the speculations and the various opinions may we not lose sight of our Master’s desire. We have been called to join God in calling people to become citizens of his Kingdom. May we delight in this work until the bitter end, when that last day will finally come and Christ will return to rule and reign as King forever.
Jesse Schellenberg
Mission Campus Pastor