Rapture Chronicles: Mark
Mark gave Christine a rushed kiss on the cheek before hurrying to the garage. Hurry, hurry, hurry. Go, go, go. Mark's feet complied. This was the soundtrack of his life; along with work, work, work, and worry, worry, worry. He jammed his phone in its holder and jabbed at it before pulling away. His work week had begun.
"How's it going?" Neil's jolly face peered into Mark's office later.
"Not too good, and its giving me a headache." He pointed at his computer screen. "Prices are up across all departments."
Neil's expression grew sober as he stepped into the room. "It's a sign of the times. Along with everything else that's going on. Jesus' return is very soon, that's all I can say."
"Could be hundreds of years away." Mark squinted at the screen as he spoke. "Rising prices, wars, and earthquakes are nothing new."
Neil shook his head. "Things are getting worse. It's like birth pains. The Bible says so. You'll see." Then he flashed a grin Mark's way before heading back to the floor.
***
Mark glanced at the monitor. At the same moment, Christine squeezed his hand. Hard. Another contraction. But this one was more intense than the last one. He squeezed back. "Remember your breathing, sweetheart."
Christine nodded, then placed her hand on her chest. A reminder to breathe more shallowly.
Mark reached out and gently smoothed the damp bangs away from her forehead, then turned his attention back to the monitor. He couldn't help being fascinated by it. There were two lines: one for the baby's heartbeat, and one for the contractions. Birth pains, as Neil had called them. And painful they were. Part of him wondered how Christine could possibly make it. It just all seemed so intense.
Christine's grip relaxed with the waning of the contraction. Her face looked peaceful as she rested. "He's nearly here, Mark. Soon we'll be holding our little Noah."
***
Mark's body protested, but he kept his post at Christine's side. She was in transition now. The hardest part of labour. The contractions were barely giving his wife a moment to rest. And their intensity was hectic. All Mark could do was offer his hand, the love in his eyes, encouragement to breathe, and his prayers.
Suddenly it was time for Christine to push little Noah out into the world. His brave wife had seemingly done the impossible.
In a few moments, Mark was holding his beautiful little son. The heavy contractions had passed, but their message would remain.
***
Matthew 24:6-8 ESV
[6] And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.24.6-8.ESV
***
Peaceful place
Only One
Only One Offering will do:
Only One Sacrifice is given you.
Creature blood has no more place
if you would see the Father's face.
But only Jesus' blood can pay
the price for sin; repent today.
***
Tears
Rows of bottles in Heaven;
The tears of His children below
Rows of bottles in Heaven;
How He loves His dear and His own
Rain drops drenching from Heaven;
And the sky is a sad, sad gray
Rain drops drenching from Heaven;
As He cries for us all and those who have strayed.
***
Scripture: Psalm 56
***
Story and poems copyright: Alison Lawrence
With love and prayers.
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