A Note from Ben Rodriguez

Recently, this morning actually, I found myself reading about warnings Jesus gave his Disciples about the upcoming destruction of the Temple and the end of the age. So, I thought about all the times I’ve wondered about how patient God has been with this world in its current and past circumstances. “How long will I continue to put up with you?” Jesus once asked. (Matt. 17: 17). It seems that God does have a desire to bring things to an end, like a parent being patient while the child is throwing a tantrum, restraining themselves from applying punishment too soon.

Then I think about how much it would have cost me if God had decided to send Jesus back during my time of unbelief and where I would have ended up? Thank you, Father, for your patience that has saved so many. The scriptures have so many comforting passages and warnings for us to consider during these seemingly hard times we’re going through and what better time to delve into them.

I knew that Solomon spoke about these things, so I turned there. Maybe I’m putting too much into it but the chapter I landed on first, was interesting, considering my thoughts.

10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.  11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. 12 Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. 13 Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? 14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future. 15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness. 16 Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise— why destroy yourself? 17 Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool— why die before your time?  18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes. Ecc.7: 10-18

All this to say, it is time for Northwest to return to the assembly, fill the auditorium and live love together.