The End Times

"You will hear about war and threats of war, but do not be troubled, for these things must happen, but it is not yet the end. Nations will fight one another, and kingdom oppose kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in several places, but all these are only the beginning: the first pains of childbirth. Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches grow tender and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all that I have told you, know that the time is near, even at the door." - Matthew 24:6-8,32-33

I've read through this chapter so many times in my life wondering when the end of the world would come. War and threats of war… I would go back to this constantly during the 90's when Clinton had the missile strikes and especially after 9/11 and all that has happened. And now, after Afghanistan and Iraq, there's turmoil in Iran and Bush says it could be the start of WW3. Two weeks ago we were dealing with horrible wildfires in California, while a hurricane just hit the Caribbean and our polar ice caps are melting. And before that, the tsunami devastated South East Asia and hurricane Katrina wiped out New Orleans. There was even a tornado in Brooklyn this summer!

How could we not look at this and not wonder if we are at these first pains of child birth? It's so clear that something is going on and we should all be prepared. Jesus goes on to say in this chapter that there will be great distress in the world, the sun will grow dark, the universe will be shaken, and He will send His angels to gather all His people. But will we be of those He gathers? Or will we perish because our faith, the way we led our lives, just wasn't enough? If this were to happen tomorrow, and given the way things seem it could be soon, are we worthy of Him? Have we led a life in which our actions, words, conscience, love, and values all line up?

I'm not sure what my answer is right now, but I will make sure that I am ready and am worthy for when that day comes because I don't want to be left behind.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus, only the Father knows that date and time of the end, but I see the signs and want to be prepared. Help guide me, mind, body and soul for Your return. Keep me on Your path, even if its not the time so that I can live a life worthy of You regardless. In Your Name we pray, amen.