Blogpost by Norman E. Hooben
The primary Bible passage describing strange signs in the sky before the end times is Luke 21:25-26, where Jesus says, "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken". Other verses like Acts 2:19 also mention signs in the heavens, but Luke details these cosmic disturbances as precursors to the Son of Man's return.
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| Image credit: NASA, ESA, Joseph Olmsted (STScl) |
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| (Image credit: NRAO Outreach/T. Jarrett (IPAC/Caltech); B. Saxton, NRAO/AUI/NSF) |
Since 2007, researchers have been receiving ultrastrong, ultrabright radio signals lasting only a few milliseconds. These enigmatic flashes have been called fast radio bursts (FRBs), and they appear to be coming from billions of light-years away (they're not aliens, it's never aliens). Recently, scientists managed to capture a repeating FRB, which flashed six times in a row, the second such signal ever seen and one that could help them unravel this mystery
Ref: "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations..."
So I asked AI, "Is Germany, France, and England in distress?"
AI responds:
Yes, recent reports and polls indicate that Germany, France, and England (UK) are showing signs of distress, primarily driven by significant economic and political challenges.
Economic Distress
All three nations are facing economic difficulties, with Germany and France performing particularly poorly within Europe.
Germany: Once the engine of European growth, Germany has become one of the worst-performing G7 economies, experiencing stagnation since before the pandemic. Its large industrial sector has been hit hard by high energy costs and global shifts in demand.
France: France faces pressure due to high public spending (nearly 60% of GDP) and substantial debt levels, with a persistent fiscal deficit that breaks EU rules. This has led to the need for austerity measures, which are politically unpopular.
England (UK): While showing slightly fewer signs of distress than a year ago and performing better than Germany in some areas, the UK still faces economic pressures, including high inflation, increased cost of living, and a higher personal tax burden.
A December 2025 Politico poll found that nearly half of adults in all three countries believe their nation is "generally falling behind other comparable economies".
Political Distress
Economic woes are intertwined with political instability in France and Germany.
France and Germany: Both countries have experienced recent government collapses or significant political turbulence as leaders struggle to agree on economic management and reforms. This political fragmentation creates uncertainty for businesses and hinders the EU's ability to make bold decisions, as the Franco-German axis has traditionally been crucial for European leadership.
England (UK): The UK, in contrast to France and Germany, has seen the election of a new stable government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, it continues to deal with internal pressures and a new geopolitical role post-Brexit, though it is forging new bilateral partnerships, such as a major treaty with Germany on defense, security, and migration.
Then what about the United States?
AI responds:
Yes, the U.S. shows significant signs of distress across mental, social, and economic spheres, with high rates of loneliness, deep political polarization, rising affordability issues for families, and economic instability concerns like debt and housing, all leading to widespread anxiety and a feeling of being disconnected despite ongoing resilience.
Mental & Social Distress
- ** Loneliness Epidemic:** A major issue, with many Americans feeling isolated, left out, or lacking companionship, linked to societal division and disconnection.
- ** Political Polarization:** Political division is a significant stressor, creating social fragmentation and impacting well-being.
- ** Mental Health Crisis:** Especially pronounced in young people, with high levels of overall stress and a need for more emotional support than people receive, says the CDC and APA.
- ** Affordability Crisis:** Middle-class families struggle with basic necessities, with significant racial disparities in financial strain, notes Brookings.
- ** Economic Instability:** Concerns about debt, housing costs, and labor market shifts persist, contributing to overall precariousness, says The Conversation.
- ** Climate Risks:** Major U.S. cities face high risks from climate issues like wildfires, sea-level rise, and air quality, impacting livability, notes this YouTube video.
In summary, data from sources like the American Psychological Association, the CDC, and The Brookings Institution points to a nation under significant pressure, struggling with internal divisions and external challenges.
