GOSPEL MEDITATION # 222
Mark 13:9-13
Signs of the Close of the Age (part 2)
- Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions.
- Be comfortably alert, still and at peace.
- Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer
- Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself.
- Slowly and carefully read the passages of Scripture.
- Reread them. From memory, determine the central points.
- Jesus did not specifically answer the question the disciples asked in regard to when the temple would be destroyed rather He warned them not to be lead astray.
- In this passage He says, “Be on your guard” echoing the earlier warning. This theme runs through the entire chapter. It is a warning all Christians of all eras must keep in mind.
- ‘Full disclosure’ is what Jesus did. He did not promise His disciples then, or at any time, that things would simply be wonderful, glorious, and happy. Just the opposite. The King of glory would be crucified in two short days so it would follow that His followers would face great difficulty. And so it has been for those truly born again of the Holy Spirit.
- Shockingly even close family members will seek to put to death their relatives who believe in Jesus.
- “Hated by all” is not something anyone would want, but in fact, would do all they could to avoid such a horrific scenario.
- Why the murderous hate and fear? No one has a clear answer, but many of us have personally experienced this, and on both sides of it. Guilt? Fear of death and hell? Fear of a judgment before a holy and righteous God?
- Lastly, seeing the look of dismay on His disciples faces, Jesus gives them a word of encouragement and promise.