Some words from Mark’s gospel, chapter 13 verse 8. Jesus said, “This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.” To hear, see, and read stories from around the world today is to be exposed not just to the events taking place, but to a sensationalized version of them. This version of the news often aims to provoke our interest or excitement at the expense of accuracy. If we’re going to tell a story and make it catchy, sometimes details are left out.
For more than a year now, we have heard and seen the news stories of the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Palestine. We have heard and seen the news about the ongoing Russian invasion into Ukraine and the continuing political and socio-economic crisis in Haiti, where planes can’t even take off or land without being shot at. As matters spiral out of control, we have also heard news from the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan discussing the disastrous impacts of climate change. We have become painfully aware of the plight of new immigrants being marginalized, blamed for long-standing issues such as healthcare and housing shortages, along with spiking food prices—and we could go on.
The Reality of a Shifting World
More often than not, as we receive news of peoples and nations rising against one another and of natural and man-made disasters, we may come away with the impression that our stable world is falling apart. It seems as though the bottom is falling out and the end is near. Growing up, I would often hear, “Whenever there’s a tragedy, the world is coming to an end.” Such news, especially when sensationalized, may leave us feeling anxious or panicked.
In our gospel reading, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the end, the coming of the Son of Man, and the beginning of the birth pangs. He says, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say ‘I am he,’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars, rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is still to come.”
Understanding the Present Circumstances
N.T. Wright, a retired Anglican Bishop, observes that today’s passage is not Jesus’s commentary about the end of the world. He argues that the passage addresses the present circumstances of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus was preparing them to endure a world without his physical presence, a world of false messiahs, wars, and upheaval in both natural and social orders.
This was a daunting prospect—a world marked by persecution and even death for those called by his name. Yet Jesus calls us not to be led astray or alarmed. He uses the analogy of birth pangs—painful, yet leading to new life—to encourage endurance.
A Call to Enduring Service
Jesus calls his followers to commit to serving God’s purposes over the long haul, even when we feel overwhelmed. We offer ourselves in service in many ways: through gracious judgments, considering others’ needs, offering a listening ear, and being slow to speak. We bear burdens, forgiving trespasses, and speak the truth of God’s word.
These forms of ministry are within reach for all. In times of conflict and turmoil, we are still called to serve. Our service arises from recognizing God’s mercy in our lives and remembering why God brought our community into being. We are not simply subject to random forces. Our actions matter in this world because God is already redeeming it.
Responding to God’s Call
So how is God calling you? How is He calling us as a community of faith to live? Where are those places where God invites you to serve—among the homeless, the hungry, or with friends going through loss? Perhaps at the side of a brother or sister facing challenges?
There are countless points of pain, and often the news only captures a portion. Yet God’s purposes are constantly crossing paths with these pains. These moments are not for us to simply observe but to serve, holding firm, and supporting His work in this world.
Let us not panic or be alarmed, but endure by coming alongside and serving. How is He calling you?