Tag: end times

Luke 21:5-38 – What the Future Holds

Read Luke 21:5-38

Our journey to the cross with Jesus continues, and today we see Jesus teaching in the Temple. The topic in this reading seems to be very timely for us today, too. But we miss the point if we think that Jesus was talking about a specific set of calamities. In every age, there have been false prophets and plenty of natural disasters. Yet Jesus wanted to include this lesson so his followers would know what to expect. Even more, he didn’t want them to be afraid.

Jesus wanted to prepare us so that we would not be led astray. Over the centuries, there have been plenty of examples of people claiming to be the Messiah or making predictions about Jesus’ return. Jesus warns us about that. “Don’t panic,” he says. All of these things will take place as Jesus said, but his words are meant to calm us not elicit fear.

Continue reading “Luke 21:5-38 – What the Future Holds”

1 Peter 4:7-11 – End Times

Read 1 Peter 4:7-11

People have been talking about end times for centuries. Even here in our passage today we see, “the end of the world is coming soon.” Over the years, there have been those who have tried to crack the code to figure out when it is actually going to happen. There are some who have been so sure they knew, they based their whole life on being prepared. Then the time came and went without incident. The sun rose and set once again. Life goes on.

The Bible tells us only God knows when. Yet, we know the end is coming, it always has been. What do we do about it? Live expectantly. We should be living our life, preparing for something greater. Whether we see the end of the age during our lifetime or not, we can have the assurance that a much better future awaits us. We can be living and preparing now.  Continue reading “1 Peter 4:7-11 – End Times”

Mark 13:1-37 – Watch Out!

Read Mark 13:1-37

This passage is powerful! Jesus is speaking to us about the future. What is the over arching theme here? Be ready.

People for centuries have been trying to predict when Jesus is going to return. Even recently, I’ve seen groups making T-shirts, people selling all their possessions, and many other crazy things. I was a viral movement. What does Jesus tell us here? That even he, the Son of God, doesn’t know the time or date. We shouldn’t be focused or blinded by such thoughts.

Jesus cautions us to be careful. He tells us what to look for. He tells us we must be ready and  persevere through all the trials and testing. What did you think of these words, “[A]nd everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Do you yearn for approval? Do you hold back from sharing your faith to avoid ridicule. I must have lived a pretty sheltered life because I don’t feel like I have been persecuted for my faith. I may have heard snickers, or not been welcome in certain groups because I was a “Bible thumper”, but would I would have really wanted in those groups anyway? At the time I may have thought I was missing out on some cool people. On the other hand maybe thinking I was missing out on an opportunity to shepherd people back into the family of God.

We need to put that all aside. There is only one relationship that truly matters, both here on earth and for eternity. If we are to think of the story of the man on a long trip, we need to be vigilant in getting our work done and be ever watchful for our master’s return. If you are like me, you are wishing for that day, wanting to be ready and making sure all my loved ones are waiting and watching, too.

Let’s pray. Father God, I left my children to you and pray protection mercies on their lives. I pray that you will nudge them each in your own way so that they mourn the loss of a relationship with you. I pray they will recognize this emptiness for what it is. I am thankful that you hold each of us in you arms. May I stand strong as I wait and watch for you. Help me not get caught up in all the apocalyptic talk for I know that we are not to know or be able to know when your time is at hand. Help me in gathering your people. If not my own children, I pray you send other angels to bring their perspective back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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