It's the End of the World as We Know It

A lot is happening around our world, making people reflect on apocalyptic thoughts.  The economy makes one think of the stressed filled economy of the end times.  Libya, Egypt, Afghanistan, Iran, and Israel draw up scenarios of the role of the Anti-Christ in creating a new world order.  The earthquake and tsunami in Japan create an uneasy feeling of a world which is not under control as global conditions destabilize in many ways.

Jesus talks of these type of events.  "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes." (Matthew 24:7)  So is this the end?

Jesus adds two other thoughts in verses 6 and 8:  "That is not yet the end...all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs." 

I don't expect this thought to be of much comfort.  Things are bad and this is only the beginning.  So what does Jesus expect in such times?  He tells the disciples during this teaching a proper response during tough times is to be found serving the King.  "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me." (Matthew 25:35-36). 

The proper response is to leave worry to the world and trust in service to the King.  Difficult times show what authority is followed, where trust is placed.  God is in control and He takes care of His servants.  So give Him what is due and be found serving, so that one day you might smile as you hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into your rest."