Uncontrolled Violence in Mexico

According to Mexico’s Interior Ministry, “Nearly 30,000 people were killed last year, marking the worst year [for homicides] recorded in Mexico… But security analysts have cast doubt on the government figure, saying it’s likely much worse” (Deutsche Welle, January 21, 2018). The government figure is based on the number of murder cases opened by authorities, not on the actual number of murders. Blame has been placed on the drug cartels and on Mexico’s president for failures in security. Mexican authorities continue to locate mass graves related to drug killings—some of which were probably dug with bulldozers. “The Mexican state of Veracruz is running out of room for hundreds of newly unearthed bodies” and has stopped excavating because there is no more room to house the bodies that await forensic testing (Deutsche Welle, March 17, 2017). Even more sobering is that while 2017 set a new record for homicides, drug cartels have been killing tens of thousands for years.

The brutality and lack of respect for human life shown by Mexican drug cartels is not unique to this troubled nation. Today, we see increasing violence and brutality in societies around the globe. Bible prophecies have long foretold, “in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money… unholy, unloving [lacking natural affection]… brutal, despisers of good” (2 Timothy 3:1-4). These violent character traits are increasingly evident today.

Sadly, modern leaders seem to be increasingly incapable of governing their nations and protecting their people. The Bible reveals the time is coming when effective teachers will show the world the way to peace (Isaiah 2:2-4; 30:20-21). These leaders will rule with firmness (Revelation 19:15), but also with righteousness, justice and mercy (Isaiah 16:5, ESV). The global carnage that we are witnessing today will finally cease when Jesus Christ returns to establish His government on earth (Isaiah 9:6-7). For more information about this important topic, read or listen to Prophecy Fulfilled: God’s Hand in World Affairs.