Wars and rumours of wars are just one of the early end times signs that Jesus spoke of when asked by the disciples about His second coming and the end of the world.

Russia has been massing some 100,000 troops plus logistics to support them in what looks like an impending invasion of Ukraine.  In response, President Biden is sending 3,000 American soldiers to Poland and Romania, which border Ukraine.

What would be the consequence if those Americans are fired upon?  What if Russia moves on the Baltic Republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), also the home of a large Russian minority with grievances?  They are members of NATO, in which an attack on one member nation is considered an attack on them all.  If the Russians move on Estonia, all of the European members and the United States would be obliged by treaty to go to war with Russia.  Most of the NATO nations have little military capabilities these days, trusting the United States to bear all of the costs involved.

China and Russia, once rivals have made formal alliances with each other.  Not only that, both countries have made formal alliances with Iran, drawing the explosive Middle East into the global political alignments.  In fact, these three countries are already being called “a new Axis.”  (See, for example, this analysis:  As America Sleeps, a Dangerous Axis Develops.)

China’s threats against Taiwan keep intensifying.  Its much-expanded navy, its cutting-edge military technology, and its saber-rattling incursions of intimidation into the waters of other Asian countries are of concern. The Chinese ambassador has explicitly threatened “military conflict” with the U.S. if they support Taiwan in its continued claims of independence.

President Biden and the Pentagon turned what should have been an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan into a humiliating rout.  A military that can’t even pull off a successful retreat will seem unlikely to be able to stage a successful attack.  The spectacle of the vaunted American military running away from the barely-equipped Taliban and even leaving behind some of their own people has surely emboldened their adversaries. They even abandoned hundreds of billions of dollars of military equipment and disgracefully turned their backs on their friends and allies. This could be seen in the ridicule that came from Russia and  China, which called the U.S. a “paper tiger.”

As well as wars and rumours of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in many countries are other end times signs occurring now. Covid is the most notable. Apostate churches, false prophets and teachers, and lawlessness are also significant signs.

“And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that you are not alarmed: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death: and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away, and betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one that endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:6:14

Whilst tribulation is ahead, the indwelling Holy Spirit will guide our steps to lead many to Jesus and bring glory to God. Look up your redemption is approaching.

“Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28