Instruction
Scripture: Mark 13:1-13
This reading takes place at Jerusalem in the week before
Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. It was Passover, a time when the Jews
focused on the temple and prepared to celebrate God’s salvation. In the midst
of this Jesus spoke of the temple’s destruction and a different salvation. The
passage causes the reader to look beyond this world and the beautiful things in
it to a time when all things earthly will fail or turn against the believer. The
believer will only find support from the Holy Spirit.
Teaching
“Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful
buildings!” So often people are entranced with earthly grandeur and incredible
architecture as though these things would last forever. There is nothing wrong with
enjoying the beauty in such things, or, indeed, in all things that have earthly
beauty, but nothing earthly will last. The temple, specifically, would be
destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.
The disciples asked Jesus about this privately on the Mount
of Olives, so He taught them of the terrible times that would come with end.
While He spoke of wars, earthquakes, and famines, His comments about
persecution and betrayal may be the most disturbing part of His predictions.
Yet He also speaks a word of hope. The Holy Spirit will help, so don’t be
anxious. We will endure. We will be saved.
Life
Watching the news, one cannot help but notice the sad
condition of the world we live in. We can very much see that nation rises
against nation, there are earthquakes and famines, and God’s people are
persecuted. How then should we live in light of that? We look at the world and
see all of it for what it is – the beauty and the sorrow – and we live by
faith. We trust God to see us through safely to the end. Jesus’ warning helps
us to not cling too tightly to the powers of this life, but to hold on to Him because
He has secured salvation for us to live an eternal life.
Prayer
Teacher, do you see all the marvels of our world? Do you see
the technology, the advancements, and the amazing things we have done? None of
them will last, will they? There are hard times ahead in this world; times of
persecution and strife. Yet, You, Lord Jesus, are faithful. You have saved us
by Your death and resurrection and You will save us from the perils of this
life to bring us safely to eternal life.
Thank You for warning us that such days are coming so that
we will not be dismayed when they do. Thank You for giving us Your Spirit to
give us a good witness. Thank You for providing us with a great and glorious
eternal home in Your presence.
Forgive us for living as though this world was our home and
such days of suffering would never come. Forgive us for being over awed by the
technology of our day and under awed by the power of Your Spirit. We crave Your
forgiveness for all the times we have lived as though this world were permanent,
and the salvation You have promised us was like a dream or sentiment.
Give us clear sight, Lord God, so that we perceive Your hand
at work in this world to bring it to the conclusion You have planned. Bring us
to the end You have planned for us. Fill our mouths with Your testimonies and
praises so many will hear of Your salvation and come to believe. Amen.
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