See the Signs

Mark 13:4-8 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” 5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.”
 
YOU’VE heard the weather report. “A storm’s coming!” You want to know when, don’t you? You want to know the details, so you’ll be prepared. There is a great urgency in the weather forecast. “I’ll tell you when and where.” the weather person promises. Listen! Be good stewards of  the news. Maybe you can do something to prepare for the storm.
    As Jesus prophesies the temple’s destruction, the disciples naturally and urgently ask, “When?” Jesus does not answer there question in the moment. That will come as the conversation continues. But Jesus wants to point them toward his final return. So he expands his answer to the far future. He warns the church will encounter false prophets. Wars will be constant and earthquakes in various places, and famines will mark world history.
    This is happening, isn’t it? As sure as dark clouds, high winds and severe lightning mark an approaching storm, the disturbing events in our daily news are the birth pains in a world God is preparing to birth into his glorious new heaven and earth.
    Of course, Jesus doesn’t tell them specifically when his final return will be. Surprisingly he even said he didn’t know: Matthew 24:36 “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Jesus often tells us he ministered strictly under the Father’s command. The Father had not reveal the end date to the Son. In the fellowship of the Trinity, the Father retains absolute authority.
    Now, imagine you are Jesus’ disciple at that moment. What would you do?
    Or should we ask, “What are you doing?” Through God’s inspired Word, the Living Word is telling you today what he told the Twelve that day. God has scheduled all creation for the final “Judgment Storm”, and he wants you ready for the day.