Mark 13:1-8 (NRSV)
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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
Wars will rage. Earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes will leave paths of destruction. Our loved ones will die. Yet Jesus Christ promises to come again to save the living and the dead.
Jesus warns his disciples and us the current hearers of this gospel to not let go of this promise. People will come in Jesus’ name and lead many astray with despair or false hopes. Many will turn away from Jesus when violence, chaos, and destruction arise. Many will be alarmed, anxious, and question how God could allow for such things to occur.
Jesus says, in times that raise fears and anxieties, do not be alarmed, do not be afraid, and do not worry, for the promise remains that Jesus will come again to save the living and the dead. Remain confident that Jesus is your salvation. Turn to Jesus, trust in Jesus, and know that Jesus is Lord.
Prayer
God, you have given us all that we need to live, Jesus Christ. When we are afraid, scared, and worried, send your Holy Spirit to give us peace. When the world around us seems to be crumbling, send your Holy Spirit to orient our ways back to you. Amen.