For the most part things seem to continue going on like they always have. We all have some bumps along the road, but it can be hard to visualize a dramatic departure from the norm. Though it’s hard to miss the Creator as His creation screams of His existence and His sovereignty, it’s easy to also admire or at least be comfortable with the created. We hear of another mass shooting, and many are in despair and bewildered. Though, we may not be able to predict specific events, it’s not as though Scripture hasn’t warned us that these events, and many more and worse will begin to unfold like birth pangs.

We read in Mark 13:1-2, “Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” The temple complex finished by Herod the Great was one of the most impressive building complexes in history. They say some of the structures would have been 18 stories high. Some of the stones used weighed as much as 180 tons. But as Jesus prophetically stated, a little over 35 years later in 70 AD, this occurred exactly as predicted. Archaeologically, the rubble that was once the temple has been found on the side of the Temple Mount, “Not one stone shall be left upon another”. Jesus didn’t give the exact date of this occurrence. In Mark 13, some of his predictions were near, some were far and have yet to be fulfilled. But notice Jesus’ advice on how to approach these future events. In 13:7, He said, “But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.” In 13:11, we read, “But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand,...”. In 13:23, we read, “But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” In 13:33, we read, “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” Jesus concludes this section in13:37, “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

Jesus simply warned us to always be ready and live each day like today is that day. Many a respected pastor has made the mistake of giving a date. But they were not told to do so. Do I believe there is anything left on the prophetic timetable, with Israel now a nation, the internet enabling the mass spreading of the gospel in nearly every language possible? No. Do I believe these events will culminate in my lifetime? Yes. Could I be absolutely wrong? Yes. As Christians we simply should never be caught off guard. Jesus warned us to never let our guard down. He told us to live each day as if it could be our last on earth. Do we? Unless we spend time with Him daily: in His Word, in prayer, we will be unprepared. What do we do with this knowledge? We avoid being too enamored with the world and keep our eyes on Him. We look at each day as another day in His mission field, seeking out the endless opportunities that surround us. But we who know Him, should simply say, “Maranatha”, or “Come, O Lord”. May we look forward to this day and be prepared whether or not it comes in our lifetime.