Three events this weekend reveal that lawlessness is increasing as Christ warned
(OPINION) This past weekend brought a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in our world. In three separate but tragic events — across vastly different settings — the loss of innocent life once again dominated the headlines
Taken together, these incidents reflect a troubling trend of violence, unpredictability, and lawlessness that many believe mirrors warnings found in Scripture about the conditions in what the Bible refers to as the last days.
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1. Ambush in Syria: U.S. Soldiers and Interpreter Killed in ISIS-Linked Attack
On Saturday, two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in an ambush near Palmyra, Syria. According to U.S. military officials, a lone gunman—believed to be linked with the Islamic State (ISIS)—opened fire on American and Syrian forces during a meeting focused on counterterrorism operations. Three other U.S. service members were wounded. The shooter was ultimately killed in the confrontation by allied forces.
This attack — occurring as U.S. troops were engaged in peace and security efforts — underscores how violent extremism remains an active threat even in areas where stability is hoped for. It also highlights the sobering reality that those working for peace can still become targets of lawlessness and brutality.
2. Brown University Shooting: Violence on Campus
On Saturday afternoon at Brown University, a gunman opened fire inside an academic building during final exams week. The shooting left two students dead and nine others wounded. Law enforcement later detained a person of interest, though the investigation into motive and details is ongoing.
This incident is yet another example of how gun violence has tragically entered spaces once considered safe — like universities and schools. Whether driven by personal grievances, mental health crises, or ideological extremism, the frequency of such shootings continues to threaten communities across the United States and beyond.
3. Bondi Beach Terror Attack: Targeting Innocent Lives
Perhaps the most shocking of this weekend’s tragedies occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where gunmen opened fire during a public “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration — marking the Jewish festival of lights.
Authorities described the attack as a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community, resulting in more than a dozen deaths and dozens of wounded civilians, including children. One of the gunmen was killed by police, and explosive devices were found nearby and dismantled.
Mass shootings in Australia are rare due to strict gun laws, making this event particularly jarring and symbolic of growing tensions and violence even in places once considered relatively safe.
These events echo warnings found in the Bible about what the world would look like in the last days — a time marked by rising violence, moral decline, and widespread lawlessness.
In the New Testament, Jesus warned His disciples that in the end times:
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom… and because lawlessness will be increased, most people’s love will grow cold.”
— Matthew 24:7–12 (ESV)
This passage — part of what’s often called the Olivet Discourse — speaks to a future where conflict and moral decay become pervasive. The three tragedies above, occurring in different lands and distinct contexts, reflect a world where peace is fragile, aggression can erupt without warning, and the sanctity of innocent life is disregarded.
