Off to war again then

So, today, Friday 18th March 2011, we're off to war again! As the United Nations affirm a no fly zone, so Nato begins its planning. Of course, as a country, we've been at war for the last 10 years or more.
The Western "Christian" world can always appeal to the Just War doctrine to affirm that this is just, right and godly action to take, given Gadaffi's actions.
Reflecting for a minute on the last few weeks - we have had earthquakes, tsunami and now nuclear devastation - and possible meltdown, and now we have war.
I heard it this week from a Christian who met with me - "looks like the end times is really kicking in now!" And to some extent, they may well be right. Jesus said almost word for word what we have seen - rumours of war, earthquakes, floods, devastation. And these he made clear would signal that we are in the end times. But some balance please! The disciples, after Jesus death, resurrection and ascension, also though they were in the end times. For them, Jesus' promise to return was not going to be long. It was if he had left the room for a moment and would be back in a jiffy! And the fall of Rome with its terrible martyrdom of Christians and fire and destruction of mighty Rome City, might have also indicated that Jesus was about to return. But he didn't and hadn't. And every generation has seen its own huge levels of devastation, and yes, the Christians of those times thought it was so bad that Jesus would be about to return. But he didn't. So, does that mean that Jesus isn't going to come back, and that the scriptures and promises are incorrect? No! But it does mean that we must be watchful, be prepared, and trust. It also means that we don't know when he will return, and for me - I love that scripture, that he will come as a thief in the night! I cannot say, nor can you, where we are in the heavenly schemes of the end times, and that isn't our concern. But that we are ready and prepared is.