By: Ellie

Read: NUMBERS 6:1-7:89, MARK 12:38-13:13, PSALM 49:1-20, PROVERBS 10:27-28

Jesus replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.
(Mark 13:5-10)

Relate: It is evident from this passage that a lot of the events Jesus described are happening now and have been happening for a while, and most of these are easily observed. There are men claiming to be the Son of God and blaspheming His name, even in the country I live in, which is supposedly a very Christian nation. Wars are starting or ongoing around the world, and we all fear a World War 3. Earthquakes are as regular as always, and so are other disasters. The world and its societies seem to be crumbling slowly but steadily.

However, these aren’t the most worrying parts. There is more that is yet to come. It was prophesied that Christians would soon be persecuted. We will be handed over and beaten by the authorities, and we will be judged for being God’s followers. In short, Jesus warns us that the Christian life is only set to get harder. This passage is not some sort of prophecy that will unfold at a distance, but one that will and is currently playing out. 

React: So, knowing what’s in store for us believers, what do we do? How do we prepare? Well, besides giving us a heads up about the trials ahead, Jesus also tells us that during these trials, we will have the opportunity to tell our persecutors about Christ. The important thing we need to do now in order to effectively preach the Gospel to the unbelievers is to first accept what is coming and acknowledge that it is inevitable. That way, we can be resigned completely to God’s will and plan for the Church. Secondly, we must learn to love our enemies, so that even when we are bullied and abused by them, we can see them as God’s lost sheep, and help bring them back to Him. In situations when we are treated unfairly, we must learn to thank God for the opportunity to show others the One who made us who we are. Remember, God placed us on this earth not just to have a “good time”, but to bring the glory back to Him, no matter what the circumstances are.

Respond:

Dear God,
Thank you for providing us with your Word, that not only warns us of the future, but also equips us, gives us hope, and shows us our purpose. Help us to have mercy on our persecutors just as you forgave those who mocked You. May Your kingdom come soon,
Amen.