Tag: pray

Posted on

Luke: The Birth of John the Baptist and Zechariah’s Song

Read: Luke 1:57-80

I’ve been using the NIVAC (NIV Application Commentary) to unpack each section of scripture, to learn from scholars who’ve invested their lives in understanding Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and complex histories about the life and time of those who walked with Jesus. Today’s passage is wonderful. I’m excited to add some thoughts on Luke’s words here, but please take time to read the next post that focuses on the NIVAC’s prophetic coverage of this section.

We start off with the birth of John the Baptist. He’s born to parents who have been blessed by God to have a child in their old age that will serve the Lord like no other. Elizabeth has no doubt spoken to her neighbors and relatives about the favor shown on her.

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. Luke 1:58

She uses this as an opportunity for evangelism in an age were mysticism and a plethora of gods would have been sought for fertility and help. This is not some goddess, this is a gift from the one true God—have no doubt people!

After all these years, Zechariah’s son would surely carry his name, right?

but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” Luke 1:60

It makes sense to name the boy Zechariah, but Elizabeth and Zechariah both knew this was a sign from God. Did God reveal the name to Elizabeth? Or did Zechariah write that out at some point in the last 9 months?

Does peer pressure win? Is doing what the Jones’s would do more important than what God requires? My imagination runs a bit wild here. What would it be like to have 9+ months of silence to reflect on my life and service to God? Would I be bitter? Or would I fully confess Christ as savior? I know what the church answer is, but I wonder how well I would do after the third or fourth day, week or month.

I get the idea that Zechariah had a lot of time to reflect about this event. He was a priest, a godly man; married to a woman who also honored God. They’ve be careful to honor the Lord for decades, why would this change now?

Zechariah reinforces his wife’s assertion that his name will break tradition, that he will be called John.

Silence is broken.

With that public proclamation, the curse of Gabriel is broken and Zechariah can now speak again. The first words from his mouth are those of praise to God. Surely, he’s rehearsed the words in his mind over the last months. He’s not been in solitary confinement, but unable to orally express thoughts in a culture steeped in oral tradition must have been trying to say the least.

Zechariah’s had lots of time to consider this moment and he wastes no time in declaring God’s sovereignty over this child’s role in life:

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; 
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 1:76, 78-79

Luke sets up his message carefully, with great intentionality. This would be a special child indeed!

And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. Luke 1:80

Secluded. Shielded from others. Sometimes I wonder if it is necessary to be so worldly in order to be effective.

Will I be a saint in my seventies? Continuously looking to serve the Lord, to understand Him better? Surely there is much to learn, more lessons for myself, more things to do for Christ. I hope and pray I can keep learning until my days on earth are done.

Posted on

Luke: Mary Visits Elizabeth; The Magnificat

Read Luke 1:39-56

A remarkable meeting of Mary and Elizabeth followed by Mary’s Song, The Magnificat. The two women play such a significant part of the male dominated history of our ancestors. It seems fitting that Luke would take time and space to honor them by recording an exciting moment when they meet during pregnancy: Mary with Jesus and Elizabeth with John the Baptist. Mary pours our her soul in the words of the Magnificat as a result of this moving moment.

The key word I take from this meeting is humility. Mary and Elizabeth show themselves as completely humber servants of the Lord Almighty. Neither attempt to jockey for position as better or more fitting. They are equal heirs in the kingdom of God.

God Does What He Says He Will Do

In the Gospel of Mark, we focused on that which Jesus did, His actions. One of the key aspects of Luke’s writing is to demonstrate that God keeps His end of the covenant–He does what He said. This is one of the big take-aways from reading the Bible in general, something I hope to encourage more people to do on a consistent basis this year.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

After the angel’s visit, Mary hurries to meet Elizabeth, to this other miracle firsthand. Mary’s excitement is eclipsed by Elizabeth’s reaction:

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41

Even in the womb, Elizabeth’s baby is stirred by the Spirit. The meeting causes Elizabeth to make some astounding proclamations:

  • Mary is blessed among women
  • Mary’s baby is blessed
  • Elizabeth is richly favored by Mary’s presence

Elizabeth’s loud announcement ends with this fitting tribute:

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45

Mary’s Song — The Magnificat

Mary’s humility is noteworthy and provides an example for us to consider as we think about our prominent positions as heirs in Christ’s kingdom:

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. Luke 1:46-48

Mary receives the blessing from Elizabeth in complete humility by pointing to the One who is the Lord of all. Although Mary will be remembered throughout generations, it’s His mighty works and great deeds that cause us to sing.

The last words punctuate the significance of Mary’s song:

just as he promised our ancestors. Luke 1:55

It is this very promise that inspires us to follow Jesus. This promise inspires us to write, to sing and play music, to help others selflessly, to be the creative beings God calls us to be.

As the new year kicks off in full swing now, I pray you will be inspired by the humility of the one young lady chosen by God as worthy to carry His Son.

 

Posted on

Luke: The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

Read: Luke 1:5-25

Luke takes some time to introduce Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist, as they are blessed by a visit from the angel Gabriel. This is a story of devotion to service that is rewarded far beyond expectation. Zechariah’s immediate reaction results in losing his ability to speak while Elizabeth quickly figures out this is a sign from God. It’s most interesting to read that John will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he’s born. What an amazing child he must have been!

Zechariah and Elizabeth

John’s parents are shown here as honorable, righteous servants of God, devout followers of His commands. Since we know Jesus has many harsh words for the Jewish leadership, it’s significant to note that all are not bad, there are those among the masses that truly follow the Lord.

Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Luke 1:6-7

Zechariah’s Service & Gabriel’s Announcement

One day while Zechariah was simply performing his honorable service, he’s visited by the angel Gabriel. But before we skip ahead, consider that he had no idea this day was going to be the day.  He and Elizabeth are very old, so they’ve seen hundreds, if not thousands of days in the service of God in various ways at the temple. It’s simply what they do and apparently they do it well.

Gabriel appears on the scene and as we come to expect, the visitation is frightening!

the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John…he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. Luke 1:15-16

The announcement is amazing! The angel knows his desire for a son, but the sense I get from the testimony is that Zechariah and Elizabeth are not bitter about their predicament; rather, they’ve accepted their positions and chose to serve the Lord faithfully. This is a great example for us to follow as we pray, as we serve the Lord.

Gabriel tells him John will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. Seriously! What kind of baby will this be? Their devoted lives will be blessed by a very special child, one who will prepare the way for Jesus.

Zechariah’s Not So Sure, Wants a Sign

Perhaps the visitation was too much for Zechariah, or maybe the years of unanswered prayer put him in a defensive posture. I truly appreciate his attitude. How often do we pray for something that seems to go unanswered? How would I react if an angel visited and not only answered my prayer, but went on to explain the result would change the world? I guess I would slip just like Zechariah:

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” Luke 1:18-20

Oops! Not a good plan to question one who dwells in the presence of God! Gabriel takes his voice. Zechariah will be silent until John is born. He won’t be able to say the required words of blessing, nor explain what he saw. Instead, he will spend months listening to what others say. Interesting. I wonder how much I could learn if I listened more.

Elizabeth Becomes Pregnant

His silence is significant and in a matter of weeks, Elizabeth puts the pieces of the puzzle together:

“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” Luke 1:25

She’s no fool. At a very old age she becomes pregnant–that’s not normal! Zechariah’s silence and their answer to prayer mean that there is something significant at play here. She’ll have to wait for the verbal explanation, but for now, at her age, she goes into seclusion, a high-risk pregnancy for sure.

Zechariah and Elizabeth wanted a son, just to be blessed with a family. What they received was a visitation from the throne room of God and a soon-to-be prophet that would rock their world!

Lord, we know that there are no guarantees for rewards on earth, even for those who are completely faithful and committed to Your ways. It’s wonderful to read this story that gives us hope, not necessarily a visit by an angel, but the assurance that You hear our prayers. May we be faithful to our calling, to that which you place before us each day. May that be enough.

Posted on

Reflections of 2017

A year ago I set out to blog through the Bible again, this time with an emphasis on deeper understanding and a desire to leave a legacy for my girls. It started when I was looking at some material I had sitting around: the Old Testament Challenge. That seemed like enough structure to get started, so the journey began. At some point in the year I invited you to join in the adventure, to read along with me, and walk through Scripture together.

I know it’s kinda weird publishing a journal in public. Yes, there are things I might say if this were written completely in private, but we are not islands, we are a community of believers. We are doing life together, making mistakes and holding onto each other as we work our way through pain and sorrow, joy and excitement.

After reading A.D. 30 and A.D. 33 by Ted Dekker, I walked away with a fresh perspective on studying the Bible. Dekker’s portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth in these books helped me rethink how I approach Scripture. In 2018, I hope to publish a video that evokes the imagery I started to write about in Why Study the Bible? It’s important to read and study, to learn about our heritage, mistakes made, successes achieved, to discern the voice of God, but the Bible is not to be idolized and worshipped. It really is the highlight reel, enough words to help us make the leap of faith.

The Bible gives us a set of core principles and beliefs, a common lexicon. Without it, we would all be starting our own religions–something The Tempter would love! I’m absolutely NOT advocating we avoid Bible studies, far from it! I’m merely suggesting we look at why and how we study the Bible.

Jesus did not say, go lock yourself in academic halls and study the scrolls. What He did say was to go and make disciples.

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

I hope 2018 will reinvigorate your Bible study approach, that it would infect those around you, those you are discipling and others who are just curious!

My approach to the church is changing as well. For years I’ve looked for a place to gather on Sundays to celebrate the joy and struggles of the previous week of working in the fields, trying to advance the Gospel, helping the poor, etc. For the most part, church has become the focus of the week. Church staffs around this country invest most of their efforts on the Sunday production because, “this Sunday could be that Sunday” for someone. That Sunday when the people come to hear words that bring them to redemption. I hope that happens, truly I do, but to spread the thought that you come to a building at a prescribed time in order to be saved is ridiculous.

Our lives should be centered on making disciples, of being Christ to all we meet, and teaching others to do the same. When we do that, the Sunday gathering will become a wonderful celebration of kindred spirits, of brothers and sisters coming together to embrace, to laugh, to cry, to sing unrestrained, to hear a message, to share communion, to pray for each other. Sundays might not be so organized and polished because we would be too busy during the week meeting with others to talk about Jesus, to bear each others burdens, praying with our neighbors, having coffee on a whim, or taking kids to school for a friend. Our pretty production schedules might just get messed up when Sunday is not the focus of the week, but the Gospel might get preached by every minister, every believer, everyone, if we stopped insisting that Sunday was the focal point.

In 2018, please join me in praying that we become the church Jesus intended for us to become. As Healthy Growing Churches and Healthy Growing Leaders embraces those who’ve been given a vision, I pray we will spur on others to make a difference for Christ and for His church.

The 139 Collaborative begins in 2018. We’re still building the structure, but the foundation is on Psalm 139, we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. We will praise God through serving others in many ways. It’ll be messy as two creatives work together to love on our community, but it is our prayer that it will be helpful to Anderson, South Carolina as a place to start. What happens beyond that is completely a God-thing. Our focus is here at home. Nothing too lofty. We will remember Psalm 131. Pray for insightful music, challenging videos, thought-provoking writing, and mostly that disciples would be multiplied in 2018 through this collaborative.

Thanks for joining me on the journey. I hope and pray that some words were useful.

We’re not done yet! Not too surprising, but I found that I can’t just fly through the Bible on a schedule. In 2018, we’ll finish blogging through the Bible, then who knows, maybe we’ll just start again!

Rest in peace 2017.

Love God. Love Others. Love Yourself.

–dave

Posted on

Mark: Gethsemane

Read: Mark 14:32-42

It’s almost Christmas and here I am writing about the trials and tribulations surrounding Jesus’ last days walking around in skin. Sure, I know how the story ends, goodness, but it’s still a challenge thinking about the disciples and those that surely knew Jesus of Nazareth well. At this point in His earthly ministry, literally hundreds of people knew Jesus and I’m confident that many knew Him well — even if they didn’t quite get what He was up to.

Supper is over. The traitor departed the group, though John Mark chooses to let that detail slip for now. Jesus takes His disciples to His favorite place to pray. He’s not in the temple courts, that alone should have garnered some attention. No, His prayer spot is a garden in Gethsemane.

Let your mind imagine the scene. Just earlier in the day, Jesus dispatched a few to make arrangements for the Passover meal, exclusively for Jesus + 12. At the meal, He announces someone will betray Him, that Peter would deny Him three times, and that His body and blood are to be remembered from now on when they eat and drink. This is one heck of a day.

Now they’re in the garden and Jesus invites the inner circle, including the one who will deny Him, to keep watch, because He is troubled.

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Mark 14:34

If Jesus is overwhelmed with sorrow, how did they feel? This is the Messiah. Peter made the proclamation and the others agreed. How is it the Messiah could ever be overwhelmed with sorrow? Something is not right with this scene.

Jesus demonstrates obedience:

Yet not what I will, but what you will. Mark 14:36

Ultimately, we all come to the fork in the road where we are allowed to decide: my will or the Father’s. For our benefit, Jesus comes to this place where He is presented with an eternal decision, one that has the weight of the world in the balance. His humanity in check, He chooses to take the hardest of routes, the darkest of paths, the one with the most pain and suffering.

What is your choice today? What is mine? Hard or easy? Challenging or routine? I know it’s not really that simple. There are many factors that weigh in on the decisions, but here’s the thought: with eternity in mind, choose wisely. In the end, we win, so choose wisely. When all is said and done, Jesus returns and claims those who were faithful. My prayer is that we lean on the Father’s will and as a result, we invite many, many others to join in communion with Jesus.

Sigh.

The long day is heavy upon these mere mortals. From the high of anticipation for the Passover meal to the low of considering who would be the traitor and the confusion of the new communion. They can’t stay awake all night. It’s just too much.

Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” Mark 14:41-42

 

Posted on

Mark: Institution of the Lord’s Supper

Read: Mark 14:22-25

We come to the point where Jesus institutes a new tradition: The Lord’s Supper. This is a significant event among many during this period we refer to as Passion Week. It’s interesting that we only have a few verses to record this huge shift during the Passover feast.

For hundreds of years, the Passover meal has been shaped and molded, a most honored tradition, that all Jews kept in strict compliance and with great joy. This was a great time for all!

Then Jesus enters the scene and changes everything–literally.

The Sacrament

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. Mark 14:22-24

Our understanding of the details of the Passover meal is unimportant to the Gospel writers. I guess they figured out we could get that information elsewhere! The focus here is on this entirely new idea: Jesus gives us His body and blood.

Jesus gets their attention, prays over the bread, breaks it, then tells His disciples this is His body: take it. He willingly offers Himself for us all.

Then he offers the wine as His blood, a new covenant, poured out for the world. Drinking blood was forbidden for Jews anytime, especially during Passover, so this must have been a difficult notion to consider. Yet the lack of dialogue at this point gives me the impression that they got it, this was a simple way of remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection.

No longer will we need to sacrifice animals, the old system is done, enter a completely new season. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. Done.

The Assurance

“Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Mark 14:25

I can imagine that Jesus looks around the room and notices His friends are rather gloomy at this point. Just a few verses ago, Jesus announced His betrayer is in their midst, now He’s just explained His body will be broken and His blood shed. It seems He wants to assure them (and us) that His is coming again, that the new tradition is here just as a reminder of better days yet to come. Finally, a bit of good news on a rather difficult night.

Next Steps

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26

Recently, I attended a Catholic memorial service to honor the life of Friar Aubrey McNeil. It was a beautiful gathering of saints paying tribute to their fallen leader. It’s been many years since I’ve been to a Catholic service, so this is probably routine, but I was amazed at the number of hymns and singing that was included, especially in response to reading scripture or something the leader prompted. As protestants, non-denominational on top of that, we tend to shy away from all these traditions for fear of getting lost in the routine dogma that someone else invented. I’m not advocating hymnals in place of praise and worship time, but I was impressed by their reverence and cooperative spirit. There’s something about being dignified that’s refreshing.

Jesus and His disciples probably sung several psalms during the evening. This was their tradition and it was a beautiful thing. We tend to pride ourselves on individualism to the point that each family carves out its own traditions. This sounds great, but misses the point of unity that Paul talks about in reference to the church.

Traditions

My hope and prayer is that we will hold fast to the breaking of bread and passing the cup of wine in remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. When we pray before every meal, may we pause for a moment and remember. May we, the big WE, join in this prayer together each and every time we stop to eat. Everyone eats. Wouldn’t it be cool if everyone remembered?

Posted on

Mark: Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Read: Mark 14:3-9

The scene comes out of nowhere, it seems. The leaders are plotting to kill Jesus, the Passover festival is swelling, and Jesus is hanging out with a leper. How can we begin to think that this is normal? The only routine that Jesus seems to have is no routine at all, except to say that His love for people is so far above my understanding that I can only read and weep.

…a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Mark 14:3

I’m in tears as I watch the scene unfold. This woman…such an outrageous act of devotion. Would I ever do anything close?

In the past, I’ve focused on the very expensive perfume, but missed the fact that both the jar and the perfume are precious commodities. Look what it says, “She broke the jar…” I suppose part of the process of creating such an extravagant perfume, the creator must seal the jar completely. The only way to get to the perfume is to break the jar.

The only way for Jesus to win for us all is to break His precious body, for His overwhelming love to flow out to us all.

Poured on His Head

Unlike tears swept with hair at Jesus’ feet, this bold act includes a closeness that suddenly creates an intimate scene. I doubt the jar was very large, something she holds in her hand. She broke it open and moved in close to Jesus. Close enough to pour the perfume on His head.

I pray that you will close your eyes, slow down a moment, and imagine the scene. A woman enters the home with a room of men honored by the presence of the Messiah. Unnoticed at first, she moves through the room with an alabaster jar in her hands. Smack! She breaks the jar open. It’s not a cork to slowly extract, there was a sharp sound, a harsh noise and suddenly the aroma fills the room. Immediately the men recognize the perfume.

For a moment, in my crazy imagination, I suspect they were excited, memories swept in, perhaps of wedding celebrations or some feast of a wealthy friend or an extravagant banquet. We remember music this way. A song takes us back to a place that we can never forget. Our sense of smell does as well. Suddenly we’re transformed to a place 20 years ago. This is that place.

I see Jesus receiving this anointing from the hands of someone who is moving in harmony with the Spirit. No words. Only action.

Time seems to stop for a moment.

In the next moment, their eyes came back into focus and they realized this woman was pouring the perfume, that perfume, on the head of Jesus.

Why this waste of perfume?

The men complained about the waste of perfume, a year’s wages dumped out for a moment of pleasure. While the aroma fills the air, the room is transformed from a dusty meeting place to one of luxurious surroundings. Those present miss the opportunity to be swept away by the beauty of the handcrafted perfume. They miss the beauty of Jesus reclining at their table. Their response is to rebuke, critique, offer their wise advise for a more appropriate use of such expensive oil.

Jesus is quick to put an end to their misguided criticism.

The Poor

The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. Mark 14:7

In a way it’s sad to read, we’ll always have poor amongst us. At the same time, we are challenged to help them — any time.

Mystery

Unnamed. Anonymous. No recognition from the men that watched, complained, stood by completely confused. Jesus not only honors the woman for her gift, He carves her action in history. What she did that day in that place at that time.

Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Mark 14:9

Lord, may this be the day that we do that action which is required by you, even when it is completely misunderstood by everyone else in the room.

Posted on

Mark: The Day and Hour Unknown

Read: Mark 13:28-37

There will be signs, evidence that is hard to miss, but we don’t know when — no one knows when the day will come. Keep watch, but don’t let this paralyze you!

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Mark 13:31

If Jesus’s words will outlast the world, it seems pretty important to listen well. The Bible is the starting point, but it’s not all Jesus has to say and certainly not all that Jesus said. His words come in many forms, in nature, in whispers, in screams. All around us we see signs and wonders, if we look. When we look, I would suggest we should be in awe, we should be amazed, we should be stirred to action for there is much work to do.

When?

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Mark 13:32

Fox News provided this headline: “Biblical prophecy claims the world will end on Sept. 23, Christian numerologists claim” — seriously. The idea that anyone would publish such an article, full of disclaimers and non-support, should be a sign in and of itself. People want to know when. Sadly, there are those that actually listen to such claims.

We don’t know when, but we do know Jesus, so let us go about building relationships, making disciples that make disciples. When we are part of a healthy growing community of believers, such fanatical claims will cause us to pray for those caught up in their fantasy worlds.

Watch

If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” Mark 13:36-37

Jesus tells everyone to be on the lookout, to watch. Instead of paralysis, this is our call to action, to be on the offense, not build walls and layers of protection. If we read through the prophecies in detail, it’s pretty obvious that there is nothing we can do to stop the end of time, much less cause a delay.

Lord help us to heed your words and cause us to act as a result.

Posted on

Mark: The Abomination of Desolation

Read: Mark 13:14-23

I’m no expert on the end times. Most of what I read about eschatology is filled with dire warnings of destruction, of bomb shelter building and preparation with rants of the end is near! Like many theological debates, I suppose I’m required to declare a position on cessation of Spiritual Gift, dispensationalism, premillennialism, postmillennialism, etc. Sadly, I’m not so smart.

Given my limited education, I simply read the scholarly writings on the subject and glean from this passage what I hope to gain as words for us to act on today.

“When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Mark 13:14

When you see this thing happen: run! Don’t wait, don’t sit and write a plan, head to the mountains!

There are several sources that consistently point to the abomination of desolation as this event:

In 167 B.C. a Greek ruler by the name of Antiochus Epiphanies set up an altar to Zeus over the altar of burnt offerings in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. He also sacrificed a pig on the altar in the Temple in Jerusalem. This event is known as the abomination of desolation. Got Questions

For the Jews of that day, such an abomination would no doubt be well known. The thought of this happening again, especially given the context of the disciples’ observation about the majestic temple, is quite revolting. Jesus gives us the indication that this is about to happen.

When it does happen, it will be dreadful for those who are trying to nurse children or who are pregnant. What an awful time to have to pack up and leave!

Pray that this will not take place in winter, because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. Mark 13:18-19

Matthew adds, “or on the Sabbath” to the list of prayers about this event since the Jews were not allowed to work at all on the Sabbath (let alone run for your life!).

These will be confusing times as many will arise as false messiah’s.

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. Mark 13:22-23

The NIVAC provides this insight that I find most useful:

The message is simply this: God’s way, God’s Christ, and God’s people will be vindicated in a conclusive manner that all will recognize. The disciple is not called to eliminate his ignorance of the timing of the End, he is called to cope with it, and respond to it appropriately.

Perhaps it’s best to rely on Jesus’s words of warning: be on your guard.

If you know that a punch is coming, it makes sense to duck, to bob and weave. Don’t just stand there like nothing is happening! When you see there is no way to avoid impact, brace yourself! To have any chance in a battle, we have to be prepared. The discipline of reading the Bible, spending time with the Father, is one of the core methods for discernment. Time with other believers who are fighting the battles of this world is another.

Lord, I don’t know much about where we are in relation to the End times, but it sure seems like each day we lose ground in the earthly battle. We are confident that in the end, you win. With that assurance, we have a responsibility to reach out to those who are far from Christ, to bridge the gap, to work each day to make disciples of all nations. Lord help us!

Posted on

Mark: Signs of the End of the Age

Read: Mark 13:3-13

As I began to read this section, I simply had to stop and ponder what it must have been like to have a private discussion with Jesus:

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Mark 13:3

Four of the disciples had the privilege of space and time. Space to be in the presence of Jesus face to face and time to sit and listen with no cell phones or emails begging for attention. No fanfare here, just four guys who were sold out to Jesus asking for a private conversation — Jesus answers them without delay.

Four Phrases

There are four phrases in particular that jumped out at me as I read this morning, perhaps they might speak to you today: watch out, be on your guard, whenever you are arrested, and everyone will hate you. As we look at these, remember this is an intimate setting, not a sermon to 5,000+. It’s important for us to surround ourselves with those who are devoted to Christ, who know His voice, who can help us discern His will in a world that seeks to deceive and destroy.

Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Mark 13:5

In their time, no one spoke like Jesus did. They didn’t have the Bible, the New Testament, seminaries, books, Google, etc., no one to lean on for clarification. They were standing at the edge of the wood, Fangorn Forest if you must, about to enter a land where no one dared to go, let alone thrive. To say there were naysayers around them puts it lightly. They weren’t to be merely ridiculed for this new found faith, they would literally be beaten by the very foundational elements of what was known as the chosen people.

“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. Mark 13:9

Flogged in synagogues, the center of Jewish local leadership. I’m thinking one of them raised their hand at this point and asked for some clarification. They were Jews. Devout. Regular working men who dropped their nets and followed Jesus. I have to believe He explained a bit more to the handful of those who heard these words.

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11

Whenever you are arrested, not “if” you are arrested. This is going to happen, you will be put on trial, you will suffer. It’s not a badge of honor. They were not going about trying to pick a fight to see how the Spirit would bail them out. Not at all! They would merely go about there way preaching the amazing good news that the Messiah came, that the leaders killed Him, and that God, the One true God, resurrected Him and we must all acknowledge Jesus above all others. That statement would provoke arrest, torture and death. Now that you know, go and spread the gospel!

Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

And this is your reward: everyone will hate you. Sign me up! This is Holy discontent at its best.

I wonder if we have what it takes to be called a disciple of Jesus, let alone refer to ourselves as disciple makers. Jesus did not compromise. He did not paint a rosy picture of a two-car garage and steady income. It’s pretty clear that being on mission for Christ has little to do with creature comforts we enjoy.

It’s hard to navigate each day with this thought in mind. Lord, teach us to pray and understand. Help us to look to You for direction, to hear Your voice above the chatter, to advance Your kingdom here on earth.

The featured image I chose for this post is a field with a broken down tractor. It appears that the crops are thriving around the tractor, but the vehicle is useless, impotent, ineffective. That tractor will contribute nothing toward the harvest. In light of yesterday’s post, may we commit to being the people who will serve in the field without relying on broken tractors.

The fields are ripe. Where are the workers?

Proudly powered by WordPress