Beware the Ides of March

The tale I remember from my history classes in school (thank you Mr. Rutz), is that Plutarch, a Greek philosopher, historian, biographer, essayist and priest at the Temple of Apollo, warned Julius Caesar to "beware the Ides of March".

I wonder how things might have been different if Caesar had taken this counsel to heart.

We often ignore the warning signs that are right in front of us, and my friends - the Bible is full of them, but particularly what things might look like when we get close to Jesus' return.

Mark 13:7-8, and Luke 21:9-11 both tell us that the days before Jesus' return will be ones where there are wars and rumors of wars, and nations will rise against nation.  There will be earthquakes and famines and terrors and "great signs from heaven."  Yes, the Bible tells us it is going to be a bumpy ride, so it is good for us to heed the warnings and know the signs.

The good news though, is that the end of the story has already been written.  God wins, and for those who believe and have put their faith in him, we are told we will be ushered into a new heaven.

My concern every day is for those, who like Caesar, ignore the warning signs and the teachings, and who, rather than putting their faith in God and in the salvation offered by Jesus, put their faith in the things of this world.  Their end is also written, and like that of Julius Caesar, it will not be a pleasant one. 

As a friend, daughter, sister, cousin, niece, and even passing acquaintance, my desire to talk about God's truth and the good news of the gospel stems from a place of wanting all those I know and love to be with me in heaven.

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