Last Sunday, during our Sunday School lesson, we studied Matthew 24:1-8.  Under the heading “pestilences” we listed diseases and conditions that may be considered as contagious or infectious, epidemic diseases that are virulent, devastating and pernicious.

We listed AIDS, HIV, drug-resistant TB, dengue fever, malaria, SARS, AH1N1, influenza.  We also listed lifestyle diseases that while they may not be infectious, they are so widespread, its prevalence may be considered as approaching “epidemic” proportions. Obesity, Coronary Heart Disease, hypertension, Diabetes, Cancer, tumors, cysts, myomae.

Now, with the threat of nuclear meltdown in Japan, people are worrying about radiation disease and thyroid cancer. There’s also the problem of radiation poisoning from contaminated water and food.

Is there still any doubt that the signs that Jesus is coming soon are prevalent in our day?  The strife, the turmoil, the chaos and conflict that surrounds us convince us that Jesus return is imminent.

Some people are scared and nervous when thinking of the prospect of Jesus’ imminent return.  Some are confused and some are apathetic.  Others would rather not talk about it.

For those like me who are suffering from disease and medical conditions, we are looking forward to the coming of Jesus Christ.  To us, the appearing of Jesus Christ is a blessed hope.  Because it is when Jesus appears that our mortal bodies will be changed into glorified bodies.  Even our personalities and characters which are so marred by sin, self and the world will be changed so that we will be totally conformed to the image of Christ.

Most people say that they are offended with Christians because their lives are so inconsistent with their beliefs and their conduct is often very “unchristian.” It is often true.  Christians are sinners too, only they are saved sinners.  They are the sons of God although they still don’t appear to be sons of God.  Some of us are unrefined and selfish.  Our only hope is that God has promised that we are his “workmanship” his on-going project.

God is actively working in us, in our everyday circumstances to shape us and mold us so that we will all come to the measure of the stature of Christ.  When Jesus comes, we shall see him as he is and when he appears, we shall be like him.  For this reason, I watch the news.  With every news item that inevitably shows an event that makes life on earth harder to bear, the coming of Christ presses nearer. Even so come, Lord Jesus.