Nougat 4

Some of my global colleagues are intrigued by the Jamaican language and from time to time would ask me to speak Jamaican to them. Ironically, I am often at a loss of what to say in patois when asked. One interesting thing about our language though is our exaggerated comparisons, so for example, we might double up – it good good, means very good, as does good bad. At time ‘more’ suggests increased comparative value, so something can be more betta, or best. Bad, on the other hand maintains part of the British rules, with a touch of Jamaican colour. Hence, it’s bad, wus and wusara! Some might even say wuses’. (Ts are usually deleted at the end of the word).

As we reflect on The End Time, I think we would agree with Jesus that ‘a di wuses’ ting we aggo face …’ Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“How terrible it will be at that time for women who are pregnant and for women who are nursing their children. Pray that it doesn’t happen in winter or on the Sabbath day.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Wuses’ Time requires fastest speed

You see siblings, perhaps the two greatest gifts required for these End Times are Discernment (to recognize the signs set before us) and Speed (to up and move hassle-free at the sight of the sign). Just think, the aim is to move at top speed, leaving Usain, Noah, Ferdinand, She’Carri, Shelly-Ann, Elaine, Sherika and Marie-Josée in our wake when Jesus gives the Green Light.

Having no natural-born children of my own, I am by no means an expert on pregnancy or on motherhood, but I suspect that Jesus’ concern for pregnant women and new mothers is related to the warning ‘tek weh yuhself’ when the Abomination comes. Carrying nursing children (ie breastfeeding infants and toddlers) with us when we move might slow us down. As would advanced stages of pregnancy.

However, I’ve also observed mothers when their children’s lives are endangered and they move with alacrity. No time for lallygagging at all! And that’s what Jesus would have us understand. Of course, there may be other schools of thought, such as the one I had previously, where I was convinced that things would be so horrible physically for women and children.

And given the current prevalence of sexual abuse and violence that occurs, there may be credence to that argument. But the overarching impression is that we will need to secure ourselves in the least possible time. Note Jesus also says we must pray that the Abomination doesn’t present in winter or on the Sabbath. Winter might be easily grasped, movement is slowed down. But on the Sabbath?

Except that we might recall that the Deutero-canonical laws forbade travel on the Sabbath. I know that may not have any bearing on many of us believers now, but back then Sabbath-observance was strict, and no work included zero movement, even for safety.

So, presuming God doesn’t require our in person presence prior to the Wuses’ time, we will need to be fit and ready. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I suspect that neither bitcoins, credit cards, nor hard currency will be very profitable for us in that moment. Siblings, this is not about scaring us. Rather, it’s an invitation to make sure we are at peace with God. For when the time comes, whether now, or at the end, we would be ready for living with Jesus in eternity.

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May all we seek be found in Christ