We learn much by observation. The repeated cycles of seasons and crops teach us what to expect next in the garden or the fields. In the same way, Jesus said, when some of His predictions are seen – the divinely authorised and scheduled cycle of events, leading up to the end of the world and His return, will have started.  We do not know when (Matthew 25:13), but we know what (Matthew 24:30) and Who (2 Timothy 1:12).

Jesus was replying to the disciples' question about the future destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, and the end of the world (Mark 13:1-3).  Although His answer covers the desecration of the temple in AD67 and its destruction in AD70 (Mark 13:14-18), it ends with a clear prophecy about His return (Mark 13:24-27).  The Jewish nation’s rejection of Jesus as their Messiah marked the beginning of the end.  The temple was razed to the ground, ending the Jewish system of sacrifices and left the religious core wondering when their Messiah would come.  The truth is He has already come; the next time He comes as Judge (2 Timothy 4:1).  That is why it is essential that God’s people are ready to welcome Jesus instead of being trapped by the ephemera of worldly living.   Then we have this example of the natural cycle of the fig tree before strong commands to keep watch (Mark 13:32-36) - interpreting the contemporary circumstances in the light of the return of Christ.   

Throughout history, Christians have seen glimpses of such fulfilment and have wanted to prepare themselves for the coming of the King. And that is a very good thing. It has provided the believer with God's long-term vision for their destiny when the future seems totally bleak (Hebrews 12:2).  The 'hope' of the Christian is not so much anticipating the end of suffering, as welcoming the Lord of Glory. To prepare for such a climactic event should be second nature for us.  Alas, the excitement of our personal lives, our business activities or the sheer enjoyment of what this world can offer - all that can distract us from the goal of our faith ... Christ Himself!

We should not need painful spurs to remind us that this world is not our home - but we do!  As humans who adapt all too well to the world around us, like chameleons that merge into the background, we need every reminder that we are frail and weak, physically and spiritually.  The evil that taints so many of our good intentions also blinds us to the reality that Christ is coming.  Such blindness will leave us dangerously unprepared for life and eternity. So, perhaps it is high time for a personal spiritual stocktaking and a resetting of our horizon to being caught up in the glorious second coming of Jesus – rather than just focussing on the current pain and intractable circumstances.  Such people have a joy in their heart, a song on their lips and a message of hope for the world.