The Distress & Perplexity of Nations Mentioned in the Bible

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them with fear, and for looking after those things which are coming to pass on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken—-And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:25-26,28). Bible prophecy has a near and far application. The verses listed in Luke’s gospel refer to the great tribulation which occurs after the rapture of the church when Jesus returns in the air. However, there is also a present-day application that closely equates with the present world conditions:

There is “Distress and perplexity of Nations,” the greatest since World War Two. There is anxiety and fear that the world is close to a Third World War, which may include Nukes. People worldwide are experiencing distress and perplexity because of inflation. It is difficult to make ends meet because of the high cost of living. The world has just experienced the dreadful Covid-19 pandemic for more than two years, with millions of lives lost. In an unprovoked attack on Ukraine, one man, Vladimir Putin, has caused the death of Hundreds of thousands, the displacement of millions from their homes, and the destruction of a nation’s infrastructure estimated at a trillion dollars in damage

There is “destress and perplexity,” And there seems to be no answer as to what to do to diminish the present difficulties. There is unprecedented immorality, a rise in violent crime, political corruption in high places, and troubles unlike any in decades. Things once considered sinful and wrong are readily accepted as proper by the government and society. Many accept the corruption in Washington D.C. because they also are guilty. The question is not whether America is headed for judgment if things continue as they are but when.

Five Takeaways from Luke’s Declaration on the World’s Condition:

“The sea and the waves roaring:” The Bible uses the sea to represent the people on earth who have departed from God and know no rest. Just as the sea tosses and turns, there is turmoil among people who are confused and fearful because of the threats to their welfare, which are all around them. Not only is this true in the United States, but nations around the world are shaken and disturbed and without any answers or solutions. It seems each day brings more bad news in the form of shootings and violence. There is a move in the United States to overthrow the present system and replace it with a form of socialism. There is a nationwide spirit of restlessness, diminishing law and order, and anarchy. The waves of insubordination and recklessness threaten to inundate the earth.

 “Men’s hearts failing them with fear, and for looking for those things which are coming on the earth:” The world has reached a point like that of a giant whirlpool in the ocean, rapidly drawing nations in seemingly with no way out. People’s hearts are failing with fear and dread as they see things coming upon them. Suicide is increasing as more and more people give up to hopelessness. Confidence in fellow man is all but disappeared. Who can you trust anymore when even those who are supposed to be our leaders are caught in lie after lie? In many cases, not even husbands and wives can trust each other. Civilization seems to be closer to the brink of collapse than ever before in our lifetime.

“The powers of heaven shall be shaken:” Symbols are often used in Bible prophecy, especially in the book of Revelation, to represent something else. In Daniel 2:35, “Mountains” represent kingdoms. In Revelation 17:11. “water” represents people. Also, in Revelation 12:21, the “Sun, moon, and stars” represent governments. The sun, moon, and stars will literally be shaken during the tribulation. Today, Kingdoms, people, and governments are being shaken to their roots. Like an earthquake, when it begins, there is no stopping it until things are destroyed and lives taken.

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh:” Luke is referring to the second coming of Christ. According to the prophet Ezekiel, speaking of God, “I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, and it shall be no more, until He comes whose right it is” (Ezekiel 21:27). That is what we see at every turn, the overturning of things as we have never seen before. There is a “shaking” and “overturning” of everything on the earth. In the United States, it is called “Cancel Culture.” All we hear from the liberal left is Reform! Everything must be reformed, which includes Government, Schools, Laws, Marriage, and even the teaching of the Bible, all things are wrong and must be conformed to modern thought and practices, according to them.  

We read in Haggai: “For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come” (Haggai 2:6, 7). Although the Bible prophets speak about the great tribulation that shall come upon the earth, we see these things going on now right before our eyes. In Mathew Chapter 24, Jesus warns His disciples that things will increasingly get worse before the end of the age, that is, prior to His second coming, His second coming is in two parts, The first part is when He comes in the air to rescue His church referred to the rapture when the church shall be caught up to meet the Lord and will stay with Him until the seven years of Tribulation on earth is finished. Then, Jesus will return with His church to set up His world-wide kingdom and reign on earth for a golden thousand years. There are no signs given for the first part of the coming of Christ; it is imminent and can happen at any moment.

I know that this article May be depressive to some, but to us who are anticipating the return of Jesus our Lord, we can lift up our heads, for our redemption is near. It is an exciting time, a time to focus our attention as never before on the things of God. It is a time to give hope to those who are searching for something by sharing the gospel.