November 19 - It’s not the end of the world
- so persevere, and you will be
saved
Today we conclude our cycle of readings from St. Mark’s gospel, with
the first few verses from the 13th chapter. It includes the last long section of Jesus’
teaching recorded by Mark.
As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" Mark 13:1
The temple was a huge, magnificent building - the center of Jewish
religious life. Faithful Jews made pilgrimages
to it for the major festivals. That was
where the priests offered sacrifices for sin.
It was the place where God said His presence would dwell.
Then Jesus said, "Do you see these great
buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown
down." 13:2
The disciples must have been shocked. The heart of Jewish religion would be destroyed. It sounded like the end of the world. There was that old prophecy of Daniel – the destruction of the temple would be one of the signs of the end times. So the disciples asked him privately, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?" Mark 13:4
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It is actually two questions. First, when will the temple be destroyed. Second, a broader question about the sign that will be given that
all things will be accomplished – that the prophecies will be fulfilled.
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Jesus told them that the future held momentous events – wars and the
fall of nations, famines and earthquakes.
Jesus cautions that some teachers will point to these events and say the
end has come. But do not be led astray
by those who simply repeat what he has already said – that many catastrophes
will precede his return. Any one who
claims to know the date of the end – or more than what he has taught – should
be viewed with skepticism.
Beware that no one lead you astray. Mark 13:5
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Some read this passage as being about the end of the world. The more immediate context is probably coming
events in the lives of those first disciples that would seem like the end of
the world –and actually would be the end of the things as they had known them.
Only a little more than 30 years after Jesus spoke these words, a
Jewish rebellion would break out. The
Romans would respond harshly – sending a large army to put down the
rebellion. There would be years of war.
And it would culminate in the destruction of the
Jesus’ first followers, the Jewish Christians, would be forced to
choose sides. They’d be urged to join
the rebels – and when they refused would be subject to persecution from their
Jewish brothers. But the Romans wouldn’t
differentiate between those who were in rebellion – and others, like the Jewish
Christians – caught in the middle.
Jesus’ disciples would experience life on the run – and often be on the
edge of survival. But they would heed
Jesus’ words in this chapter, and leave
Jesus told them it was coming – and that those terrible events were not
really the end of the world
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This chapters prophetic references to those events. gives
reality to the guidance it offers. The
disciples heeded Jesus’ words, endured and finally thrived. And the openness of its apocalyptic language
means it can apply to any age… even us.
The gospel invites us to put in perspective the troubles of our time -
whether it global – like terrorist threats - or more personal - losing a job or
a diagnosis of cancer. When we face
seemingly ultimate troubles, we are like disciples in the first century who
would face the destruction of their temple, and an awful war. Despite appearances, “the end is not yet”.
The kingdom has not yet come in its fullness, but it is coming. He told you there would be bad times, but he
will give you the strength, so Jesus says, endure and persevere, and you will
be saved. Christ’s word is sure and will
not pass away. In the meantime, don’t be
misled or discouraged.
The remainder of this chapter is summarized by two admonitions from
Jesus: You must be on your guard... What I say to you I say to everyone:
“Watch.” Mark 13:9 & 36
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When Jesus says “be on guard’ and “watch”, think of the military use of
the word watch - alert, on duty, ready.
An instructor at the Army Special Forces School says “I tell the
students, if you have one guy with all the survival training and a negative
attitude – and another guy who doesn’t have a clue, but has a positive
attitude; I guarantee you the one with the positive attitude is coming out
alive.
“Survival depends on overcoming fears of the unknown and stress over
things you can’t control. Hope is the
most valuable commodity a person can carry into a crisis.”
Attitude is everything.
The second lesson picks up this theme of persevering by having a
positive spiritual attitude.
1. Since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw
near to God in full assurance of faith… 21
Stay close to Christ daily, through prayer, Bible study and service That keeps you from dehydration of spirit that leads to
dryness and disorientation.
2. Let us hold fast to the hope that is our without
wavering, for he who has promised is faithful… 23
Hold fast to hope without wavering – sometimes easier said then
done. But the verse does not say “you
are faithful’ but rather “He is faithful.”
God is here for us and He is our hope.
So rely on the Lord and Work out your salvation … knowing that God is at
work in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
How can you do that?
Nowhere in scripture is it assumed that Christianity is only an
individual endeavor. God has given us
each other so we can journey together in faith.
Our growth is not just an individual partnership with God, but a
corporate one that involves our brothers and sisters and our Lord.
Three more suggestions from the 2nd lesson
on keeping a positive spiritual attitude – so you’ll survive and thrive.
1. Let us consider how to provoke one another to acts of love
and good deeds… Hebrews 10:24
We can motivate each other to live our faith – to use our gifts to
serve others. Serving God takes the
focus off me and my problems. “It’s not all about me. It’s about God.” Someone else can
recognize your particular gifts and encourage you to use them. Others can recognize your contribution and
grant you kind words – some positive reinforcement. They can remind you that you are needed and
wanted, thus encouraging you – the One who began a good work in you will bring
it to completion.
2. Don’t give up meeting together, as is the
habit of some… 25,
Meet for Sunday worship that you might meet the Lord Jesus, who is
present and active in word and sacrament.
Listen for his voice speaking to you in the reading of scripture, the
hymns, and the sermon. When you come forward
to receive communion, open you heart to His Spirit, for Christ would personally
touch you as you kneel at the altar.
Meet for Sunday worship – and also for small groups and classes and
fellowship. Stay close to your brothers
and sisters.
Our individual spiritual health is nurtured in community. His grace is present in the fellowship which
encourages us in living our faith - to keep striving and stay on target.
3. Encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day
approaching... 25
Be there for your brothers and sisters.
Listen to them – and speak up-lifting words. That implies getting to know at least a few
of the others members – and making the time to get here early and to stay a
little while after the service – just to hang out and talk to others. Then you can speak words of encouragement –
and hear helpful words.
Our fellow members help us to endure through difficult times – and to
celebrate the good times.
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Jesus admonition to “watch” - “keep alert” call us to make spiritual health
a priority, so we can survive and thrive.
There no better way to be strong in your faith then practicing your
faith.
Practice the faith and then you’ll learn for yourself that God is
faithful, and you can rely on Him.
But you have to simply to trust Him.
The love of Jesus will enfold you,
the grace of Christ will protect you,
and the power of His Spirit will uphold you.
No matter what happens, we can say,
My hope is
built on nothing less, than Jesus’…
… I wholly
lean on Jesus’
When all
supports are washed away,
He then is
all my hope and stay,
On Christ the
solid rock I stand.