What does the fall of Afghanistan mean?

As Americans we are shocked, saddened and angered by the recent events in Afghanistan. It reminds me of many years ago watching the fall of Saigon. I also think about the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. Does the Bible speak concerning the events today? Of course the Bible speaks to events today. The Bible is more up to date than tomorrow’s newspaper! Let’s examine recent events from three perspectives.

First, in the past Islam began in the year 610 AD when Muhammad began receiving visions. The word Quran means writings. In 632 AD Muhammad died and civil war broke out in the battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The Muslim world today is divided into Sunnis and Shiites. In 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini became the leader of the Shiites. Osama bin Laden more recently was the leader of the Sunnis.

In 1979 the former Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Many students came to Afghanistan to fight the Soviets. The word taliban means students. The Sunnis and the Shiites were united in their hatred of the Russians. They drove out the Russian invaders with the help of the United States.

Second, in the present the Taliban are a very well equipped army. The United States provided $83 billion worth of training and equipment to Afghanistan since 2001. This includes a staggering 76,000 vehicles, over 200 aircraft, at least 600,000 infantry weapons and 16,000 night vision goggle devices. They are motivated and well armed.

Third, the future is not so clear. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.” Only God knows the future but He has chosen to reveal part of that future in the Scriptures.

Biblical eschatology requires great humility. None of us have all the answers! The Bible indicates there will be seven great world empires. The Antichrist will rule an eighth empire. Remember that the Bible focuses upon redemption. It is about God sending His Son to die for our sins and to redeem His people. At the very center of God’s plan is Israel. All eight of these empires impact the nation of Israel.

Revelation 17:10 reads, “And there are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come….” When John wrote in 90 AD five empires were history. A sixth empire (Rome) was ruling at the time. I believe these first six empires were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. A seventh empire is mentioned but not identified. I believe the seventh empire was the Ottoman Empire.

The Ottoman Empire ruled the Middle East for many years. It was one of the greatest empires of history. The Ottomans reigned more than 600 years before crumbling on the battle fields of World War I. I believe the Bible predicts the rebirth of the Ottoman Empire (Revelation 17:8, 11).

ISIS stands for the Islamic State In Iraq and Syria. The Taliban’s goal is to reestablish the Islamic Caliphate. The Caliph is the person considered to be the political-religious successor to the prophet Muhammad.

The Bible is clear. The closing days of this age are described as birth pangs leading to a much better age- the messianic reign of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 24:8). Jesus the Messiah is coming back in great power and great glory. The first time He came to die. The second time He is coming to reign and conquer.

As followers of the Lord Jesus we do not panic. We lift up our heads and focus upon the Second Coming of Jesus. Let’s buckle our chin straps. It is going to be a wild ride!

Ethan Hansen is a pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.