Instruction
Scripture: Mark 13:24-37
This reading follows Jesus’ comments that Jerusalem would be
destroyed, which led to a conversation about the end of all things. In this
part of the conversation Jesus speaks of His glorious return from heaven, tells
the disciples that His world will never pass away, informs them that no one
knows the day or hour of His return, and charges them to keep watch. As these
words are read today they stand as a call to remember that the End will come at
its proper time and we should be on guard for that day clinging to God’s Word
to comfort and strengthen us in the present time.
Teaching
Throughout history there have been those who have predicted
the return of Jesus. That He said He would come again is indisputable. The
question of when that will be, however, is not answerable because it is not
revealed in God’s Word. In fact, Jesus is very clear that no one knows when. We
can only know that He will return and live in anticipation of that event.
Jesus’ use of the fig tree is a way of saying that even as
we perceive the seasons changing and expect fruit at the proper time we can see
the signs that the end times have come. He urged His hearers to take note of
what they were seeing and to not cling to the things of this earth, but to look
ahead to the life to come.
Life
Many people use a prayer that some call the “common” table
prayer. It begins, “Come, Lord Jesus….” This prayer is an invitation for Jesus
to dine with us, but what if we began to think more of Him actually coming
again. How might that impact the way we live? It could make us more confident
in living our faith knowing that Jesus is coming soon. After all, what can the
world do to us that Jesus hasn’t saved us from or that He cannot undo in His
eternal glory?
Does it frighten you to think of Jesus’ second coming? Is
that because your life and faith don’t match and you have sins you need to
confess? The thought of Jesus’ return should give us comfort and peace knowing
that our struggles will one day end, and we will receive the eternal home He
has promised us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You will return, but we don’t know when. You
have, however, already given us Your eternal Word which will never pass away to
keep us mindful of Your promises and salvation.
Thank You for giving us Your Word so we may know that the End
is coming and that, though there is suffering now, there will be a time when
You will set all things right and gather us to be with You.
Forgive us for being overly focused on this life and for not
watching for that day. We ask that You would forgive us for not observing the
signs of the season that tell us that the End is coming.
Give us Your Holy Spirit so that He will strengthen our
faith to help us hold on to Your everlasting Word all through our time on this
earth. Come soon, and take us to be with You and the angels in glory. Amen.
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