MARK 13 TAKE HEED...WATCH...PRAY The journey of His-story through Mark was nearly over. His teaching had been given and for the most part, rejected. Blessings had been poured out on the people which they gladly received but took them for granted, and the nation was still in unbelief. The disciples had understood vaguely what He was teaching about the religious leaders and the nation. But there was the beautiful temple in front of their eyes. People were coming and going there because the Passover was nearly upon them. In their questioning minds the future was unclear. What about the temple? The Lord plainly said it would be destroyed. That had happened twice before when Israel turned away from God, and it was going to happen again. The prophecy was clear. Destruction follows departure. Payday always comes. Reaping follows sowing. The look ahead was bleak.
It is only natural for people to want to know when predicted events will take place. The Lord Jesus, in the first of the "take heed" statements, told of the deceivers who would claim they were Christ. This has happened even in our day and is not too unusual. Wars and turmoil make people think "this is it. The end is here. It can't go on like this any longer" - but it does. These are not signs, of His Coming and the end of the age. Other Gospels give three views of the future but Mark just gives one. He looks at the future through Jewish eyes. The constant trouble Jews have experienced since that time of prophecy is not a sign of the end.
Another of the "take heed" statements isn't a warning about those who counterfeit the truth, but is a statement regarding those who are loyal to the Lord Jesus Christ. The early church experienced the kind of persecution the Lord predicted. Those disciples experienced all that first-hand. All down through the years since there has been opposition and persecution towards those who take a stand for the Gospel. In many parts of the world today Christians are experiencing persecution, imprisonment and death for the sake of the Gospel. In this country Christendom has taken a different tack - "don't preach the Gospel. Stop making people uncomfortable with warnings of sin, righteousness and judgment to come. Keep it quiet and have "seeker friendly" meetings where people are taught there is an easy way into the kingdom." Being "born again" to many is not becoming a "new creature in Christ Jesus." It is changing one's life-style to be more gracious, friendly and attractive. This is very different from "all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." The Lord warned the disciples to take heed to themselves because there will be opposition from unexpected sources, for unreasonable causes, resulting in unpredictable persecution.
The increasing intensity of natural disasters make some think the end of the age is here. These are like shadows on a wall. They seem so final because the effects are so destructive. The storms and hurricanes have, and will continue to take their toll on the cherished property of people. Tornados, tsunamis and cyclones will continue to create a fear of nature, but people still refuse to turn in repentance to God for salvation. To many their "savior" is the government they look to, to restore their life-style to the way it always was when we lived comfortably and at ease.
Not referred to in this portion of the scripture but is in Matthew's account, is a view of the events that have happened in the past, and can be expected in the present and future. As far as the nation of Israel, and the nations of the world for that matter, things will continue to get worse. There will be a short time under the deceptive wiles of the anti-Christ, when people will think the kingdom has come and that deceiver will fool the world for a season. Following his takeover of power there will come a time of unprecedented trouble and then Christ will come in His power and glory.
We are to take heed. When false teachers make predictions, do they come true or do they revise them to fit events that have happened? Do they pick out small portions of the Bible to teach or do they teach the Bible as the whole counsel of God? Does what they say contradict the Bible? Is Christ the one honored or is the teacher glorified? What is the effect of the teaching and does it strengthen the faith of Christians?
We are also to watch as we wait. Do not be mislead by people who speculate about spiritual things and interpret the scriptures to meet a position they want to take. Do not be afraid to speak for Christ and make plain the way of salvation no matter what people say or how it makes them feel toward you. In your watching, stand firm by faith, in the faith. Don't be surprised if you are despised, ignored or persecuted by not conforming to what is popular. Live for God by staying alert morally, scripturally and obediently.
In view of all the Lord taught, continue to pray. This is not the kind of prayers that makes requests. Rather this is prayer for our own convictions to be maintained by God's help; prayer for consistency before people we know in the world; prayer for courage to press forward in the mandate we have been given; prayer for continuance in the things of God in spite of what others may do. There is no timetable for us to go by. This promise of the Lord's coming made by the Son of Man Himself.
I really can't see coming events and I think I know the reason why. If I knew what was about to happen, perhaps I wouldn't even try To press forward in faith in my calling knowing danger was just ahead. And I fear I might ignore the needs of those who are spiritually dead.
But I can take heed to what is around me as I hear false teachers proclaim, "The end of the world is at hand," and some even say that in Jesus' name. Those who deceive are people who never bother to read God's Word. They want to make a name or money for themselves and willfully deceive the world.
I need to take heed to myself, lest I become casual and blasé - People need to know I am consistent in what I do and say. They have a right to expect me to be morally and spiritually sound - Before they will listen to the Gospel and seek Christ while He may be found.
To be aware of the times I live in is not something I should ignore. However, to worry about the times is wasted effort, rather I should be giving much more Effort and time to my calling, and to further the Gospel of peace. The turmoil and wars will continue until the Son of Man comes - then they will cease.
I need to watch as well for opportunities to bring blessing to others. This means those who are in darkness, as well as my sisters and brothers. By speaking truth from the Bible, I have something to say that they need. With grace in my lips, I should speak so to God's truth they will give heed.
Prayer is not just asking for things or of making earnest supplication. It also involves knowing what God says, and for others making intercession. By being in the presence of God, my prayer is an act of communion. Awareness of events as God sees them challenges me to sincere consecration.
"Father, may this look into the future this morning, affect me in my worship and service today. Keep me from trivializing in any way the holy things of God that are revealed and will come to pass. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."