The four words parents dread hearing when they set out on a long car trip as a family are, “Are we there yet?” (As a young boy, my wife’s brother would ask this question before they were even out of the street they lived in!) Generally speaking, parents respond with something like, “We’ll get there when we get there!”

Over the past 3-4 years we have navigated a worldwide pandemic, watched Russia invade the Ukraine, and witnessed civil turmoil in the USA following the Presidential election. More recently, the war between Israel and Hamas has fueled further fear, hatred, and uncertainty around the world.

During this time, it has not been uncommon to hear people ask, “Are we there yet?” By that, I mean, sincere followers of Jesus have been asking the question, “Is the return of Jesus close?” and for many, it has been a cause for fear and anxiety!

After Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple, His disciples were asking a similar question: “When is this going to happen?”

Jesus cautions against reading too much into world events and instead, encourages us to continue to trust in Him.  In summary, He says:

• “The Temple will be destroyed!” (vv1-4)
• “There will be many Who claim to be Me – don’t believe them – and there will continue to be wars and natural disasters.” (vv5-8)
• “My followers will be persecuted.” (vv9-13)
• “There will be a time of Great Tribulation.” (vv14-23)
• “I will Return decisively and unexpectedly!” (vv24-37)

We are living in uncertain times but the One Person we can be certain of is Jesus, the bedrock of our faith and hope!

He will sustain us through the uncertain times, the tumultuous times, and should we live to see the day, the end of time.

Are you there yet?

Today’s Bible reading: Mark 13:3-8