Don't Panic! Be Prepared!

Whilst the mode of our worship and hearing of the Word will be different this week, it will be good to 'be together' in the hearing of the Word as we continue in our series through Mark's gospel from Chapter 13. Here, in light of a time of coming destruction and tribulation, Jesus teaches his disciples not to be alarmed, but to stay awake! Not to panic, but to be prepared. There were events which that particular generation were going to experience– events which would completely change the way of life for them. And so, Jesus lovingly teaches and prepares them for those coming days, telling them what to look for and how they can be ready, as they wait patiently for his return.

The events of our days, with COVID-19 and the various measures put in place to slow its transmission, are not what Jesus is referring to in this passage. But there are lessons here for us to learn which we can take comfort from and apply in our own lives today. We too need not panic, but can be prepared by the Lord for the days ahead.