Bad News -- Good Hope

S - “And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.” Mark 13:7-8 ESV

O -  Jesus is convinced bad news is coming. He didn't say if it comes but when it comes. Our world's headlines confirm it day after day.  How should we think about a world racked by war, natural disasters and tragedy? His response is neither cavalier or fatalistic. He wants us to think of them and respond to them like a woman in labor. The pains are terrible and the dynamics are life threatening. Yet, hope is strong during the ordeal and joy forthcoming when the baby arrives. The pains are unavoidable but there are some things which can be done to minimize them. He affirms that while we don't know when the pains will end we do know him … and he is the expert on all matters relating to heaven and earth. He is not suggesting that we live in denial but rather that we live and work in great hope; even amidst severe circumstances.  Jesus wants us to know that these convulsions on earth are actually going some place very good, very sweet and full of life.

A -  Wars, earthquakes, famines, etc. will happen and yet we need to work to bring peace, alleviate suffering and help our fellow citizens on planet earth. However, all of our best efforts will be temporary until he returns because permanent peace and the cessation of tragedy waits until then … just as the baby waits amidst the contractions. According to Jesus, there's something for me to do each day as the contractions/convulsions come and go … Love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength and love my neighbors and my enemies as my equal, as I love myself. According to Jesus, everything depends (hangs) on this (Matthew 22:40).

P - Lord of Heaven and Earth,

Am so very grateful you're not asking us to pretend about anything or to "like" the pains our world convulses with.  For whatever I can do to alleviate such, count me in.  Day by day I promise to love you back and to love all others.  I accept your coaching on world events, my status in them and my response to them … I won't be alarmed and I will be encouraged … joy is on the way!!

I love you back,

Steve