When Daniel (Daniel 7) dreamed about the coming world ruling empires that were going to rise, he saw the political and social upheavals that accompanied their rise likened to a troubled, wind tossed sea caught in a 'perfect storm.' This is how the Amplified version of Daniel 7:2 puts it:
Daniel said, I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of the heavens [political and social agitations] were stirring up the great sea [the nations of the world].
Further reading in Daniel 7 describes the kingdoms to rise and the last one is going to be headed up by the antichrist, (the little horn). We are living in the end of the fourth kingdom that Daniel saw, and the little horn may well be on his way to power now. While people in the Middle East are in a state of turmoil, a number of governments are leaving a power vacuum that somebody is going to fill.
I believe what we are observing in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, and Libya is but one segment of what Daniel saw as the 'four winds.' There is more to come, as this upheaval is only a fraction of what is coming.
Be looking for the little horn to rise up, displacing three other horns, or rulers. He will be readily accepted, as he will appear to have the answers to the distressed and perplexed nations. I hope that those who know Christ as Savior and Lord will be raptured out by then.
Surely, the sea of humanity is troubled - we are living in the last days and Jesus Christ Himself gives us this warning:
Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (completed).- Luke 21:24b-26, Amplified Bible.
And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, [not knowing which way to turn] at the roaring (the echo) of the tossing of the sea,
Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter.
He instructed us as believers (in describing the events in Luke 21)
Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near. Truly I tell you, this generation (those living at that definite period of time) will not perish and pass away until all has taken place. But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose; For it will come upon all who live upon the face of the entire earth. Keep awake then and watch at all times [be discreet, attentive, and ready], praying that you may have the full strength and ability and be accounted worthy to escape all these things [taken together] that will take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.Jerusalem was taken by Israel in the 6 day war in 1967. Jesus said that the generation living at that time would not pass away until all has taken place. We are that generation Daniel and Jesus spoke of.
What is a Biblical generation? Bible scholar, Dr. Jack VanImpe has calculated that a bible generation averages 52 years. Assuming that is correct, 1967 + 52 = 2019 when ALL the prophecies regarding Daniels visions will be fulfilled. In other words, 2019 is post the 7 year tribulation, or 2019 - 7 = 2012 as the year the tribulation will begin.
So pray you will be accounted worthy to escape - and stand before the Son.
Advice from the Lord Himself - can we afford to ignore it?
