November 10, 2015

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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