LCG: Flashmobs and Prophecy

In his commentary today, Wyatt Ciesielka from the Living Church of God, has the following:

Commentary: Flash Mobs and Bible Prophecy

By Wyatt Ciesielka | Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Jesus famously warned that prior to His Second Coming, “nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom” (Matthew 24:1-7). Centuries earlier, God warned through Isaiah that at the end of the age, “As for My people, children are their oppressors…” (Isaiah 3:12). These two prophecies are profoundly related. Furthermore, there is a sobering connection between these two warnings and the “flash mob” violence that has raged from London to Philadelphia!

Matthew 24:7 mentions kingdoms and nations in conflict. The word translated “kingdom” is basileia, and usually refers to a state or national power. For example, in Jesus’ day, the Roman Empire was a “basileia.” The Kingdom of God, which Jesus Christ will establish on this earth, will be a perfect and worldwide basileia (cf. Matthew 6:33; Acts 14:22; Revelation 11:15). Jesus clearly warned that basileia would rise up in conflict with each other at the end of the age.

However, in this warning, Jesus also used another word, typically translated as “nation.” In New Testament Greek, this word is ethnos, and it has an interesting etymology. Ethnos can mean a “group” of people (like a mob). It can also mean a nationality or ethnicity. Ethnos is not pejorative, and does not describe any particular ethnic group. In fact, Christ wants the Gospel to be preached to all ethnos (Matthew 24:14)—and all ethnos will be blessed in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:2). However, in today’s headlines, we are seeing increasing ethnos violence, manifesting as “flash mobs,” general civil disobedience and thuggery.

Not only are “flash mobs” a London phenomenon; in the U.S., they have been seen frequently in the city of Philadelphia, where mobs “for the past two summers” have been organizing via cell phones and social networks, much like those marauding through the streets of British cities (The New York Times, August 17, 2011). These Philadelphia gangs will rapidly descend on stores and citizens, robbing, looting and often assaulting others (CNN.com, August 16, 2011). In England, earlier this month, rioting and looting rampaged for nearly a week, beginning in London and rapidly spreading to areas from Manchester to Leicester. British police have arrested nearly 1,800 so far, but the government predicts it will convict more than 3,000 (BBCNews.com, August 17, 2011).

Many factors are contributing to increasing lawlessness, such as a culture that shamefully glamorizes violence, murder, theft and even sometimes rape in movies, music and video games; children raised with little or no parental training to respect others; and socio-economic disparity. The root problem, however, is even more fundamental. Isaiah 3:12 has a dual meaning. When so many of our “leaders” (whether in the entertainment or sports industries, or in local neighborhoods and cities) are hedonistic and morally adrift, then the entire society—especially its easily influenced young people—becomes debased.

Thankfully, God’s word reveals the solution! Proverbs 29:17 promises, “Correct your son, and he will give you rest. Yes, he will give delight to your soul.” Too often, our “youth” are not giving rest or delight to society. Instead, actual children are often participating in heinous and premeditated crimes! But, a time is coming when the streets will never again be full of “flash mobs” or roaming gangs of violent youth. A time is coming with the leaders in society will lead according to God’s laws (Isaiah 30:21)! Then, the streets will be safe for young and old alike (Zechariah 8:4-5). Then, God’s laws will be loved and taught throughout the earth (Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2)! The root cause of the problem today is an abandonment of God’s laws! And the ultimate solution is the soon-coming Kingdom of God, ruled by God’s righteous laws!

To better understand what is happening in our world today, please watch our recent Tomorrow’s World telecast, “End-Time Prophetic Events.” And, to better understand the vital role of parents and the family, please read our booklet, Successful Parenting: God’s Way.

Lawlessness, boredom, a sense of entitlement, hate, despising the Ten Commandments, and lack of love are all major factors in criminal riots.

The time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) is getting closer, and other troubles (Mark 13:8) will happen for a few years before it gets really bad. And then it will be even worse for the people in the Great Tribulation (Mark 13:19, Matthew 24:21). National repentance seems close to impossible, but personal repentance is still possible.

God will eventually intervene in what will happen to the UK and the Anglo-descended nations (Jeremiah 30:8; Matthew 24:22), but not until it gets worse than most people have imagined (Matthew 24:21-22). The flashmob riots are barely a taste of what is to come.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.