Nougat 15

For many of us, predictability is very important. We must know what is coming and the sequence of events leading up to it. And that is fine. Those of us who do might be keen on signs of the times. If so, today’s Holy Nougat is for you. If not, read the reflection to the very end.

““Where will this happen, Lord?” the disciples asked. Jesus replied, “Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.”” Luke‬ ‭17:37‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What an image, of vultures gathering for a corpse! And yet we know that as long as the vultures circle, the creature is not dead, or not ready for their consumption. In other words, the end is near; probably very near; but it is not quite time.

Which takes us back to the sign of the volcano (Sodom and Gomorrah) and the flood. According to the biblical accounts of both, those were the first occurrences of either. One destroyed, rather washed away, all of creation while the other was localized. Because they were firsts; people were not aware and missed the signs.

If Sodom were a mountain as some suggest, then there were rumblings. Plus, we know that God spoke to Abraham, who interceded (negotiated) on behalf of the righteous. Further, the vision of Noah building a floating zoo on land that had never seen rain, and initially didn’t have animals must’ve looked ludicrous.

There were signs then. And the signs are evident now. And a sign we might miss is the ongoing proof of God Who loves us so much that we are given time to make our calling and election sure. I have stated my premise in the past, and Jesus response to the Pharisees corroborates it: the Kingdom of God is come when we accept Jesus’ divinity. For some of us, it’s in this lifetime; for others, it will come with death.

We are alive today. At this moment, the fact that we are able to read this says we have beat several odds which may have been against us. While we watch for The Day and Hour of Christ’s return; we have the opportunity to share what we know with someone who does not. Amidst the fear, frustration and even the feelings of blessings of the times, there might be someone dying to hear the Good News – God loves us.

Every single one of us.

So much so that God became human (as Jesus). Then God defeated death by raising from the dead and returned to Heaven that we can now join God there. To help us with this, God’s Spirit is with and within us the moment we invite God in. There is nothing to fear, for God is in control. Hallelujah!

—

May all we seek be found in Christ