Two Sites That Bear Watching Closely

The eyes of the world are focused these days upon two locations as diverse as black is from white.  One location reminds us of the pomp and regalia that has endured for centuries, while the other location is a reminder of a war that did not end well nearly sixty years ago.   

The first location is that of the Vatican in Rome.  Last night, black smoke was seen coming from the chimney at St. Peter's indicating that, at least on the first ballot, not one of the cardinals had received the necessary two-thirds vote to become the next Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.  At least two more votes are scheduled for today.  News teams from around the world have gathered in Rome to witness this selection of a church leader.  This selection process has its roots deeply embedded within the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.  The Church is in turmoil today with several challenges that the new Pope will have to address.  Included among those challenges are: the right of priests to marry (we know from the history of the Church, that priests were granted that privilege centuries ago; even Martin Luther was married) and the voice of women who desire roles within the priesthood.  But the paramount issue is that of the resolution of the ever deepening sexual abuse scandal that has plagued the Church.  One of the cardinals representing Great Britain was forced to resign after admitting sexual failure over the years.  The diocese of Los Angeles just yesterday received a severe financial penalty after admitting several priests under its jurisdiction had sexually abused those under their care.  The task before the new Pope will not be an easy one.  Many commentators I have read in recent days have strongly indicated that the success or failure of the Roman Catholic Church will rest solely upon the shoulders of this man. 

The second location is that of North Korea, one of the most impoverished countries in the world.  In recent weeks we have seen the North Koreans, under their new leader, Kim Jong Un, launch a long-range missile and explode an underground nuclear device.  Last week the North Koreans indicated that they would no longer abide by the armistice that ended the Korean War.  Kim Jong Un has been talking about war including a pre-emptive nuclear strike against the United States.  And all the while the relationship between North Korea and Iran continues to grow.  The United States and South Korea have partnered in a renewed military preparedness in recent days as well. 

Two different locations.  Two different philosophies.  Two different visions for the world.  One focuses upon the task of revitalizing a Church that seems to have lost some sense of its purpose.  The other focuses upon the task of challenging the world for dominance with fears and threats.  Both stories are incredibly important for those of us who are watching for the return of the Lord Jesus. 

Friends, we are nearing that very special week known as Holy Week.  It is the time when we remember those final days of Jesus' life and of His sacrifice on the cross for our sins.  I have been reading the Gospel accounts of those final days.  They are filled with powerful teachings that flow from the heart of Jesus.  He is strongly aware of His impending sacrificial death.  He is aware of the impact that event will have upon His disciples.  So, with great determination and passion, Jesus addresses those events that will follow His death and resurrection.  I had not been aware before of the great amount of teaching on the end times from Jesus during the final week of His life.  Matthew 24-25 and Luke 21 record what we know as the Olivet Discourse.  (I must admit there are many verses within this message of Jesus that are difficult to understand; I wonder what the disciples understood).  And then there are those powerful words of Jesus in the Upper Room that Passover Night and later in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 14-17).  I would encourage you to read these passages slowly during the next couple of weeks.  Listen to the heart of Jesus carefully.  Among His final requests to His disciples before He died were these: watch carefully for My return and work zealously until I come back.  Those are still words that should characterize our lives now twenty centuries afterwards.