When Will It Be?

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down." When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?" Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs. (Mark 13:1-8)

The anxiousness of your first baby's arrival helps you remember most details. Nellie, bless her heart, went through twenty-two hours of labor pains before the doctor recommended a C-section. During those 22 hours, every ache and pain made me hope that this, at last, was the one sign that our baby would arrive quickly. Once in the operating room, the doctor said that within 15 minutes we would have our first child. It didn't seem that long, yet it seemed like another eternity, and we had our first baby girl. I can only imagine how the disciples' minds raced as they went from being curious tourists to expectant fathers of God's kingdom. They marveled at the magnificent temple, an architectural wonder for its time, and a symbol of their country's once-greatness. You and I have seen building that have made us marvel at their greatness and even our country's greatness for what they represent. Before that day I finally saw the capitol building in Washington, D.C., my first glimpse at our state capitol had been sufficient. They heard Jesus' response to their gawking; "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down." Ouch! It was when they were alone, that four of them asked Jesus, "When will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?" Good question. Who would want to be caught unaware of this coming event?

Jesus' response still holds true even for us. First, do not be led astray by so many who claim to know the signs and the dates. Second, do not fall for false messiahs who will claim to be Christ himself. Next, we will hear of wars and rumors of wars, and this should not alarm us, for it will take place, and has, since that time Jesus uttered these words. Last, know that these signs are but the beginning of the birth pangs, and no one knows how soon after these begin when the actual delivery will be.

We should be ready now. We should know, love, trust, and serve Jesus. The needs before us have not diminished, in fact, the need to know Him grow each day. We should respond with who we are, and what we have, starting now.

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to be ready right now, to love You enough to respond to needs around me. Help me to share the good news with those who have not yet heard about Your great love. This is my prayer so that when You do return, it will be for me. In Thy name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde