Mark 13:28-37 | Romans 16:17-20
It’s okay to have questions...right?
The disciples lead us in the way of asking questions of Jesus. Ask questions.
It’s not that we will always get answers. Better yet, it’s more likely that we won’t fully understand the answers given. There are some things to be questioned in today’s passage. (For one, what is this generation? Jesus’ disciples’ generation? …an age of time?)
Many have used some of the words we read from Jesus in today’s passage to instill fear. Jesus did not come to bring fear. He certainly came in full understanding of God the Father, the mighty one who cares nothing for sin and destruction. He came fully understanding God’s desire for humanity to overcome destruction, to bypass sinfulness.
So as you read Jesus’ words concerning that which is to come, remember forever the foundation of his message - God’s desire is not for you to experience the things of death and destruction.
So stay alert, indeed.
Mark 13:28-37
“Learn this parable from the fig tree. After its branch becomes tender and it sprouts new leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that he’s near, at the door. I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until all these things happen. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
“But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the angels in heaven and not the Son. Only the Father knows. Watch out! Stay alert! You don’t know when the time is coming. It is as if someone took a trip, left the household behind, and put the servants in charge, giving each one a job to do, and told the doorkeeper to stay alert. Therefore, stay alert! You don’t know when the head of the household will come, whether in the evening or at midnight, or when the rooster crows in the early morning or at daybreak. Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!”
Romans 16:17-20
Brothers and sisters, I urge you to watch out for people who create divisions and problems against the teaching that you learned. Keep away from them. People like that aren’t serving the Lord. They are serving their own feelings. They deceive the hearts of innocent people with smooth talk and flattery. The news of your obedience has reached everybody, so I’m happy for you. But I want you to be wise about what’s good, and innocent about what’s evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Prayer
God,
It’s kinda your fault, you know…you gave me this mind. I do have questions. You can’t blame me for the curiosity you instilled!
Nonetheless, help me to know my place, my role, which is my hope in you. Give me wisdom. Give me humility. At the same time if possible, please.
Make me like Jesus - willing to learn, to invest in the lives of others, but steadfast in your holy love.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.