Birth Pangs

As Jesus came out of the temple and was going away, his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. Then he asked them, ‘You see all these, do you not? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’ When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Messiah!” 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. ‘Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But anyone who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:1-14

We in a divided and violent world and it can seem like we are in the "end times." Generation upon generation that proceeded us, also believed they were in the "end times." It is easy to hear the words of Jesus in this passage and feel the birth pangs upon us. Yet, the conversation is really about enduring, being faithful, merciful and loving every day, despite the ominous signs and destructive behavior around us. The disciples always wanted easy answers as do we. Yet Jesus calls us to not give up and trust that we are being lead through our toughest days.

Faithful Creator, you are in every season

whether the light is bright and very warm

or when the chilly winds of winter blow

in all times you are with us, walking beside us.

We ache for simple answers and clear signage

we want to demonize one group of people

thinking ourselves so much better than them

when we are just scared, fearful and panicking.

Lord you are the answer to all of our fears

you hold us close in the good and bad times

you are faithful and steady to the every end

and you call us to hang on to your hope and love. Amen,