Crumbs 133 To come
Scripture Mark 13:1-13 web1 As he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings!” 2 Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone on another, which will not be thrown down.” 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are all about to be fulfilled?” 5 Jesus, answering, began to tell them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray. 6 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’[a] and will lead many astray. 7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains. 9 But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them. 10 The Good News must first be preached to all the nations. 11 When they lead you away and deliver you up, don’t be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.12 “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. 13 You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
The study of the last things can distract us from walking with the Saviour. The teaching of our Lord is not a collection of puzzles but truths to live by. The prophesies here are to live by. They are a mixture of straight forward predictions and down to earth advice. Musing on them I find the predictions are ever true,
1. The destruction of the temple.
2. False Christs. Be careful not to be led astray
3. Wars and rumours
4. Inter national problems
5.Geological instability
6. Famines
7. Troubles
8. Persecution. Depend on the Holy Spirit when accused.
9. Universal preaching of the Gospel.
10.Break down of family loyalty. Last to the end
What have these predictions to do with us ? What is the right attitude to them ?
How can we prevent being deceived ?.
