“And there came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth…” (Rev. 6:4) Unless you live under a rock, you know the current world events of war, sorrow, loss, death, and pain. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brings this generation into the experience of the beginning phase of WWIII. Irrational actions by narcissistic madmen seem to always be the foundation of world pain. Eighty years ago, it was Hitler. Today it is Putin.
In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus spoke about “nations rising up against nations” and “wars and rumors of wars.” Events such as these will increase as the world spirals downward because of the rejection of God. The world attempts to solve its problems without turning to the ONE who is the solution—Jesus Christ.
The Lord has not left us in the dark concerning events leading up to the end of this age. Though technology and learning opportunities have increased, it seems that each generation takes another step deeper into stupidity. We have easier access to phone conversations but fewer real talks. We have larger houses but fewer homes. Advancements in the modern age do not always translate to a better quality of life. Go into a restaurant and observe people at tables. They play on or read what’s going on with their phones while they ignore their children and spouse.
Our technology has brought nations closer, but they seem farther apart in real talks. All of this contributes to the division of the nations. And that division is driven by greed, power, and affluence. Jesus said when wars and false prophets increase, it will be the “beginning of sorrows.” (Matt. 24:8) How long will these sorrows last? How long until the time of the antichrist begins? We don’t know. However, these events should prompt us to be on guard for what will occur according to the Scriptures.
In the sixth chapter of Revelation, we read about John's vision where he saw horses released on the earth. He saw a white, red, black, and pale horse. These symbolize the antichrist, wars, famine, death, and hell. The Lord revealed to the Apostle John the overwhelming terror that will be released on earth before the end. If you’ve ever been around horses, you know that you can hear their hoofbeats long before you see them if they are over a small hill.
As we cast our vision upon the horizon of time, we began to hear strange sounds. Sounds of evil, wickedness, and deceit are increasing upon the earth. Nations don’t take notice when babies are ripped from their mother’s wombs, but they stretch their necks with bewilderment when nations rise against nations. If an infant's life has no value, neither does yours!
As the blind lead the blind in the geopolitical arena, those who know Christ and the Scriptures will understand that the stage is being set for the greatest event in human history. The earth and all true believers groan for the return of Jesus Christ, and it seems that every day that event draws ever so near. If we look past the political and religious jargon and listen across the horizon, we can hear the ever-increasing sound of… Approaching Hoofbeats!
