Mark 13
Thinking about the Last Day can be
somewhat disturbing. Who likes to think about war, earthquakes, famines, spiritual
oppression, false christs, and all of creation being shaken? While we look forward to the day when God
will send his angels to gather us and all believers, the events that the world
will go through to get to that point are terrifying.
Actually, I should say, “the events that
the world is going through,” because what Jesus describes here is the way
of the world from His ascension until His return. Wars? We have them. Nation against nation? That too. Natural disasters? In abundance. Spiritual deception? All around.
Jesus’ exhortation to stay awake reminds
us that while we are certainly in the world, we are not of the world. We see
the things that are happening with eyes that the Spirit of God has opened. We
must take care to not be lulled by the world’s deceptions to think that this is
all there is – which is, perhaps, one of the reasons God brings such calamity
in our world, that we won’t get comfortable here and not desire the home He has
prepared for us.
This world would have us think that this
physical matter around us is eternal, that our reason and senses deliver the
ultimate truths of the universe, and that our human potential is unbounded. Jesus
however would have us remember that, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My
words will not pass away.”
There is only one thing that is
permanent, and that is God’s Word. Amazing thing this Word of God! It is not only ink on paper in your Bible. Nor
are only the words Jesus spoke the Word. Jesus, Himself, is the Word embodied
in human flesh. His death on the cross and resurrection from the tomb are the
message of God’s love for sinful people who live in a broken world. He
proclaims to us that the sin that is at the heart of the problems of this world
is atoned for by His blood. He points us ahead to show us that there is new and
better life in His resurrection because He has overcome the world.
The end will come, and through the
trials God will save us in Christ.
O God, preserve me and all Your people. Keep
me steadfast in Your Word, even Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
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