Living in the Last Days (2) (Mark 13:24-32)

Christ has talked about a life of suffering and struggle.  The reality is that it is not encouraging to to think that one can pursue the kingdom only to find that there is just more and more suffering in this world.  So, why continue if the Christian message seems to be suffer, then suffer some more, and then eventually die.  Is that really the message?  What is the comfort we take in the midst of the tragic day that happens in Jerusalem? How does that tell us this suffering will not always continue and be the thing that defines us?