November 13, 2015

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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