Instruction
Scripture: Mark 13:1-13
In the week before His crucifixion, Jesus spent a lot of
time in the temple teaching people and debating with the religious rulers of
the time. In this reading one of His followers was impressed with the physical
majesty of the temple. Jesus informed him that all of it would be torn down and
destroyed. He later explained to the disciples that terrible days were ahead,
but in the end those who endure will be saved. The passage urges us to consider
how impressed we are with the majesty of our own age and encourages us to live
lives of faith that endure until we are saved from this life and given eternal
life.
Teaching
One of the marks that Jesus points to of the terrible
conditions at the end of time is that there will be those who come in His name,
saying, “I am he!” He is saying that there will be those who speak pretending
to have His authority, claiming to speak His words, but who, in truth, are
false prophets who lead people to destruction. The message of such people must
always be tested by God’s Word, found false, and the prophet must be rejected.
One of the sure signs of a false prophet is that they tend
to proclaim prosperity, peace, and happiness in this life. This is clearly at
odds with what Jesus Himself says. He warns of suffering, sorrows, and
persecution in this world. He points beyond this life for our ultimate hope,
reminding us that there is life after death for those who are saved.
Life
As we read Jesus’ words describing the end of the age we
could very easily come to the conclusion that His description sounds a lot like
today. The truth is that He describes every time period between His coming and
His return. We are living in the Last Days.
That thought might make us feel anxious. Who wants to
experience the terrible things described here? But we cling to Jesus’ promises.
The gospel will be proclaimed. The good news that He has died for our sins and risen
again must be shared. The Holy Spirit will work in us when we are called upon
to share that good news. And in the end, as we endure, we know there is joy
waiting for us and we will be saved.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, there are those who claim to speak on Your
behalf, but in truth they are liars who lead people away from You. There are
all kinds of troubles in the world – wars, earthquakes, famines, and more.
These are but the beginning of the end. You will save us from all these
troubles and use us to proclaim the good news of Your death and resurrection so
yet others will be saved by Your gospel.
Thank You for Your salvation. Thank You for giving us Your
Spirit so we can confess the hope we have because of Your cross and empty tomb.
Thank You for blessing us with faith to endure until You save us.
Forgive us for our fears and doubt. Forgive us for thinking
this world will last and never end. Forgive us for listening to the false
prophets and thinking all will be well in this world instead of placing our hope
on the life You give after death.
Strengthen our faith. Preserve us by Your Spirit. Help us to
endure and be Your witnesses. And in the end, save us. Amen.
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