the true culprit
When World War I ended on 11 November 1918, city streets filled with cheering, and people danced as shops closed early. That brief moment of joy faded fast. Almost at once, a new risk surfaced, one that proved deadlier than gunfire or poisonous gas.
By June 1918, Spanish flu spread through the muddy trenches of France. In a few short months, the virus showed its lethal nature. More from the American forces in France lost their lives to flu than to fighting. As soldiers made their way back, this sickness travelled across continents, brought home by weary men desperate for rest and reunion.
After the war, hunger and hardship ruled daily life. Across Europe, families went without enough to eat once the battles ended in 1918. By 1923, German banknotes had become nearly worthless. Then came a worldwide financial crisis. As 1939 dawned, a new world war flared up, closely tied to loose ends left by the previous one. Each disaster seemed to follow from the last. What kept this string of trouble going?
Signs Showing How Close We Are
Looking at biblical prophecy helps us understand what sets major events in motion, like World War I. Christ spoke about a time when whole countries would be at war and food would run short, while sickness would touch every part of life.
“While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying—Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?”
Mathew 24:3
“For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes.”
Mathew 24:7
He explained that these troubles would show we are living in the last days. The book of Revelation gives more clues, connecting the world’s pain to a battle fought in heaven.
In Revelation, we meet four riders—the horsemen of the Apocalypse. Three, in particular, bring war, hunger, and sickness—the same struggles Christ described.
World War I flung open the doors to endless hardship. We find the root of the problem in scripture. The Bible shows that Satan, not people, started the trouble.
“We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.”
1 John 5:19
Can things ever change?
The Wicked One’s Time Gets Short
Revelation makes it clear—Satan’s rule has an end.
“On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.”
Revelation 12:12
He rages because he senses his time running out and acts with cruelty as a result. Still, his anger proves to us that his finish line is nearly here.
Ending the Works of Satan
World War I changed the world forever. It brought total war, sparked revolutions, and destroyed trust in leaders. These things all point to Satan’s removal from heaven.
“So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.”
Revelation 12:9
As the hidden leader of this world, Satan acts desperate, just like anyone who knows their end is near. Once his influence ends, our time of trouble—sparked by that great war—will fade away.
The Bible gives us something concrete to hope for. Christ, our heavenly King, will soon “break up the works of the Devil.”
“For this purpose the Son of God was made known, to break up the works of the Devil.”
1 John 3:8
Millions already pray for God’s Kingdom to come. Are you among them? Under its rule, God’s wishes will shape the earth, not Satan’s plans.
