June 29, 2022

The End! Are You Ready?

Mark 13

Jodie Porras
Wednesday's Devo

June 29, 2022

Wednesday's Devo

June 29, 2022

Central Truth

Believers must stay aware that the end is coming and live life accordingly: our hearts filled with Jesus; standing strong in faith; not being deceived by the world around us; and remembering that God alone knows when the end time will come.

Key Verse | Mark 13:32-33

"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come."

Mark 13

Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

Signs of the End of the Age

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

The Abomination of Desolation

14 But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

The Coming of the Son of Man

24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

28 From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

No One Knows That Day or Hour

32 But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. 1 13:33 Some manuscripts add and pray For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants 2 13:34 Or bondservants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, 3 13:35 That is, the third watch of the night, between midnight and 3 a.m. or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Footnotes

[1] 13:33 Some manuscripts add and pray
[2] 13:34 Or bondservants
[3] 13:35 That is, the third watch of the night, between midnight and 3 a.m.

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Dive Deeper | Mark 13

Mark 13 is like an action-packed thriller movie with Jesus being the star. Cast alongside Jesus are four of his disciples. The place is the Mount of Olives. The story being told is about the end times, and Jesus will soon be in the hands of unbelievers to be crucified for sinners. He explains that wars, natural catastrophes, false teachings, and persecution will come and is setting the tone of "THE END." The disciples are sitting on the edge of their seats with concern, asking, "[W]hen will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" (Mark13:4)

In today's times we find ourselves asking the same questions as the disciples. Are we surrounded by the signs? Is prophecy about to be fulfilled? We have fighting among nations, division in our country, devastation from hurricanes, earthquakes, and disease; and we are seeing a "do what feels good" culture full of persecution. We can be filled with anxious thoughts and fear that can be overwhelming.

We must be on guard to resist the temptation and pressures that can have us stop believing the truth God has given to us. Don't allow anything to get in the way of whom God intends us to be. Our hearts must be protected as we are surrounded by sinful notions.

The good thing in this action thriller is that we know the outcome. The main character is our Savior Jesus Christ, who not only gives us a message of things to be wary of, but also provides us understanding, peace, and a way out. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NIV) Rest assured God will come with all His power and glory for His people. We need only open our hearts to accept Him.

Discussion Questions

1. Are you ready for the end? Have you fully given your life over to the Lord? What are you holding on to that keeps you from accepting the free gift of salvation? "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

2.  Are you overwhelmed with anxiety and fear? What creates the anxiety and fear within you? "[D]o not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

3. Have you conformed to the patterns of the world? Or are you standing firm in your faith?  "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)