What to Expect in the End  
     The end of the world has been a fascination among Christians for most of the history of the Church.  Passages like our text this Sunday (Mark 13) are among those that excite the speculation of many readers.  Of course, the sun being darkened and the moon not giving its light; wars and rumors of wars; earthquakes in various places; are titillating descriptions for the imagination.      

What has been one of the considerations of the end that Jesus has emphasized in Mark?  I think the idea that there is coming a tomorrow that will not be like today is Jesus’ exhortation.  As in the man who was told, “tonight your soul will be required of you.”  Tomorrow may not be like today, and what are you going to do about it?      

In 1 Peter 4:7-8 we read “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.  Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”  We are preparing for the “end of all things” by patience, self-control, praying, loving and forgiving.  This is where we get out of balance.  I think all Christian doctrine or prophecy is to remind us to do these things.     

 I do see the Bible teaching that there will be a tomorrow that is not like today.  That tells me that I must do today the things like Peter mentions so I can prepare for it.  Keep loving, keep praying, keep forgiving until the stars begin to fall.

Pastor Greg