Tuesday after Lent 4

Wooden cross

1 As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.” 3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 6 Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. 8 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. ~ Mark 13:1-8 (NASB)

If we look at the world around us, we can see so many signs that Jesus mentioned. It seems like it should be near the end of time, and God’s Word tells us to be ready at any time, for even Jesus doesn’t know the day or hour. But the words Jesus spoke to His disciples remind us that wars and rumors of wars and earthquakes and famines are not signs that the end has come. They are only the birth pangs of the coming end.

Almighty God, Lord of all Creation, remind me that I must be ready for the Lord’s return, but that doesn’t exempt me from helping to alleviate the pain and suffering that exist in the world today. Give me a heart of compassion and love, Father, to do all I can to show Your love to Your children. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/Alexan66

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