Mark 13:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Mark 13:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 3When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,
Verse 4"Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?"
Verse 5Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray.
Verse 6Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray.
Verse 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.
Verse 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.
Devotion
This coming Sunday's Gospel reading contains some foreboding words from Jesus. "Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray."
A disciple named Judas Iscariot was one of those who originally heard these words of Jesus about the dangers of being led astray; but in a couple of days Judas would go so far astray as to betray Jesus to the arresting mob. Apparently this warning from Jesus must have had little effect upon Judas.
The sad truth is that in every generation, ours included, followers of Jesus have been led astray from a solid faith in the saving power of Jesus Christ. When they give little or no regard to God's word, they place themselves in grave danger of being lead astray. The remedy is apparent.
Prayer
Loving God, help us to have a constant hunger for your living and saving Word; so that we will not be led astray by those forces which seek to separate us from you. Amen.