Paying attention to the signs

I'm watching video footage of the incredibly powerful tornadoes that have ripped through Alabama, Missouri, and Oklahoma over the past few days. Just last weekend, "false prophets" were predicting the end of the world, and before that the earthquake and following tsunami moved Japan 10 feet closer to the USA. Surely these things have to get the attention of most people - they are simply not "normal" and even if they are natural, they are happening with abnormal frequency and severity. If you know your Bible, these words from Matthew 24 must come to mind. Gosh, at least think about it.

3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.