Conflict has always been a part of the human experience, a tragic constant throughout history. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ gave a profound and sobering prophecy, stating that “wars and rumours of wars” would be a key sign of the end times.
What makes today’s conflicts and tensions different from any other era? As we look at the world, from local skirmishes to global military posturing, we must understand this prophecy in its proper context, using the Bible as our guide.
The Beginning of Birth Pains
In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus lays out a series of events that will precede His return. He specifically says in Matthew 24:6, “You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” This is a crucial detail: wars are not the end itself but rather the “beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8). Like the contractions of a woman in labour, these signs will intensify and become more frequent as the end draws nearer. Jesus’s words here are both a warning and a command not to be fearful, for these events are part of God’s predetermined plan.
The Reality of Rumours
Jesus’s prophecy includes not just actual wars but also “rumours of wars”. These include threats, military build-ups, and a pervasive sense of fear and anxiety regarding impending conflict. We see these developments in the media headlines and political rhetoric of our time. Nations engage in military exercises, display new weaponry, and issue stark warnings, creating an atmosphere where the fear of war is as impactful as war itself. This constant state of alertness—this “rumour”—serves to fulfil the prophecy, demonstrating that the world is indeed on edge.
Current Global Tensions
Today’s world is a volatile mix of rising conflicts and political instability. The ongoing conflict in Israel, the war in Ukraine involving Russia, and the increasing military and economic tensions with China all fit within this prophetic framework. These are not isolated incidents but interconnected events that ripple across the globe. The modern world’s interconnectedness means a conflict in one region can have a cascading effect, drawing in other nations and creating a climate of instability that is unprecedented in scale.
The Spiritual Roots of Conflict
The Bible offers a clear explanation for why wars occur. The Apostle James asks a rhetorical question.
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” James 4:1-2.
This scripture reveals that war is a product of human sin—specifically, pride, greed, and selfish desires. The great wars of history, from ancient empires to modern-day conflicts, are all rooted in the sinful desires of humanity: a desire for power, territory, and control.
The Prophetic Trajectory
While Jesus said these things are not the end, the book of Revelation points to a coming global conflict that will be the culmination of all this. Revelation 16:14 speaks of “spirits of demons performing signs, who go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.” This scripture, along with others, points to a final, worldwide battle—often referred to as Armageddon—that will occur during the Tribulation period. This indicates that the wars and rumours of wars we see today are setting the stage for the final act of human history before Christ’s return.
A Reminder Not to Be Alarmed
As we witness these events unfolding, we must remember Jesus’s final instruction: “Do not be alarmed.” He did not tell us to bury our heads in the sand but to see these signs as confirmation that His return is drawing near. The presence of wars and rumours of wars is not a reason for despair but for vigilance and hope. They are evidence that God’s Word is true and that His prophetic timetable is right on schedule.