What’s Going On with the Sun? (Reflection on the approaching end of the age)

I woke up around 5 am yesterday and as I entered the kitchen, I found myself wondering — is the sun rising later?

When we moved to northeastern North Dakota ten years ago, by this time of the year the sun usually brightened the sky between 4:30 and 5 am. This year it seems like it’s late and not lightening things up until 5:30 am.

It got me thinking about what the Bible says to expect as the end times approach. The only thing, there is so much to decipher, I feel like a dummy trying to grasp the meaning behind all the events and symbolisms.

I found this video by GotQuestions and it’s helpful as it highlights some of what the Bible lays out:

Throughout history, there have always been wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, etc. so these are nothing new — but, in modern history, especially since 2023, I can’t help but see what the Bible has warned us as signs of the approaching end of the age happening around the world:

“And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.” — Mark 13:7–8

The parts that caught my attention were “the end is not yet” and “the beginning of the birth pains.”

First, the birth pains. What is meant by this phrase? If you ever had a child (or seen a loved one give birth), you know that the contractions usually begin slow and erratic before progressively getting more intense and frequent until the baby is born. Jesus is saying that before the end of age, there will be a period of events that will grow increasingly numerous and painful.

Secondly, all the while these events are occurring, “the end is not yet.” This tells me that things are going to get bad — like nothing ever seen by man before.

“For the trouble at that time will be far more terrible than any there has ever been, from the beginning of the world to this very day. Nor will there ever be anything like it again.” — Matthew 24:21

To me, things globally seem horrific so I cannot even begin to imagine what the “end” will be like.

As I glance around at all the headlines and reports by various people, it appears like the entire planet is beginning to groan. Earthquakes are occurring in places where they haven’t occurred in years, volcanoes -both on land and below water — are waking up, asteroids/meteorites are passing closer to the earth, major and ancient faults are showing signs of “reactivating,” hurricanes and tornado seasons are growing deadlier, pervasive droughts with growing number of damaged or failed crops — just to name a few of what I’m seeing around me.

For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. — Romans 8:22

Wars and rumors of wars dominate the daily news, especially the growing threats of a nuclear event. Countries once allied are breaking away and forming new alliances. Old superpowers are declining; new superpowers are rising.

My husband is glued to the news. Me? I usually don’t want to know because I already “know” what and why these are happening. It is strangely unnerving and comforting at the same time.

Yeah, history is filled with these kinds of things, but it seems to me that they are happening more frequently and with greater intensity. All at the same time.

I’m also watching how people are increasingly turning against one another. Discord, violence, turmoil between families, divisions within churches and countries, there is a feeling of rage billowing beneath the surface that wants to break free.

“Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold.” — Matthew 24:12

The world is becoming a very frightening place to live, and the future is looking quite bleak as the Biblical prophecies continue to unfold. Those of us who are true children of God feel this coldness of man and the groans of creation more fervently than most.

But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God’s gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us His children and set our whole being free. — Romans 8:23

Instead of being fearful, we as believers are to be filled with hope knowing that we have an eternal future of joy and beauty to look forward to.

This morning, I woke up again at 5 am, and once again, the light of the sun appeared a bit darker. Instead of feeling apprehensive about the imminent changes coming our way, I am at peace.

Why?

I am a child of God and destined for a far greater place when the end of the age finally comes. Also because He already told us of what must take place which gives me great assurance.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33