Week 2, Saturday December 10
Matthew 24:1-14
Vs 4-8
And Jesus answered them, “Take heed that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the birth-pangs.
Before traveling, a person must plan and pack. We need to know the climate and weather, the destination and what gear or apparel may be needed. The information we receive is imperative to knowing how and what to pack for the journey. Jesus Christ has given us a Spiritual packing list for the world we will face as Christians waiting for his return.
Jesus does not tell the disciples (or us!) when he will return, but how to live while waiting. He explains what to expect and what to prepare for, revealing how history will unfold and what will come to pass. Jesus has given the gift of knowing what to pack. The climate and weather will be tumultuous, rugged and rife with conflict. There will be distraction and dishonesty, false faith and natural disasters. And this is only the beginning of the journey!
So, what should we pack and prepare?
A steadfast faith, love and charity, reading the scripture, growing in our understanding of the Word of God and hearing his voice in our lives. We pack one spiritual thing at a time, stay focused on the Lord and let the anxiety of the world be rendered back to the world. It is not ours to carry.
What Christ has shown us is the beginning of the birth-pangs; a labor that will bring about the new creation and his final return.
We are living in the time of waiting; the advent of the second coming.