The Coming

Initially when I got to know about the earthquake tremors from fellow Penang bloggers, I thought it was just minor. It was only during these few days with all the news reports that the seriousness of the quake strucked me!

- My heart is burdened by these calamities and my prayers goes out to the victims of the quake. -

Apparently the high-death tolls was due to the fact that there was no warning of coming tsunamis! Latest death toll to date: 55,000 (what's more disease could double the current number!) During these few days as I was contemplating on what had happened, I was reminded of Christ's coming. For Jesus said:

"Know this: A homeowner who knew exactly when a burglar was coming would stay alert and not permit the house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected."
-Matthew 24:43,44- (NLT)

While tourists were having the time of their lives on the beach and as natives were making a living, in a blink of an eye the strong currents and tidal waves swept them away. I cringed as I imagined I was among those caught unawares... And I cringed even more, when I think about the times where I blatantly sin without giving a hoot about God! As St. Paul says:

"I don't think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. You know as well as I that the day of the Master's coming can't be posted on our calendars. He won't call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. About the time everybody's walking around complacently, congratulating each other--"We've sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!"-suddenly everything will fall apart. It's going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman.

But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You're sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.

God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - (Msg)

Oh my Jesus forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all those to Heaven especially those most in need of Your mercy. Amen.