More than a year ago I had a conversation with my mother (who has now passed on) regarding "end times." Obviously we do not know how soon that will be, but we clearly know that every day is one day closer and that the world is changing at a rapid pace. Jesus said we will see the signs as the time draws closer. When my mother and I discussed it, I had speculated, wondering what signs we will see. My mother showed a lot of insight. She said "There will be a very strong call to repentance," and she pointed out that scripture clearly shows that to be true.
The ancient prophets spoke God's word again and again to both leaders and citizens, and it was not a message people always wanted to hear. There was anger, defiance, and rebellion, which is certainly not unlike today. Many people today just cannot bear to hear a message of repentance. The reason I find this so key today is because of that very situation and because I do believe we have seen some people rising up in the role of prophet, speaking God's word of warning.
The book "The Harbinger" written by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn (2012) strikes me as just such an example of a strong call to repentance. The author compares the situation in American to that which Israel faced when the word of the Lord was received (an alarm) but disregarded. As the author explained, for a very long time American has enjoyed a level of protection (God's hand) but as with Israel, because of a back of defiance (an unwillingness to turn from sin and to the Lord) we are beginning to experience a time of shaking and the word "judgement" is not a word that will continue to be taken as lightly as it has in the past. I really believe many people have and are going to respond to the ministering of the Holy Spirit as God brings his word through to our hearts.
"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man comes" (Matthew 25:13, King James (2000) Bible).
