November 15, 2018
“A Sign”
Mark 13 is often called a ‘mini-apocalypse’ because Jesus gives a short answer to the disciples question about the end of time. In Jesus’ day that was a big question…when will God come to deliver us?
But I’m not sure that Jesus really answered their question. He told them to keep watch, he told them what signs to look out for, and even told them to head for the hills when it gets bad. But ultimately he told them that they will never know exactly when it will happen and that they must remain on guard.
When will it happen?
We don’t even ask that question any more. It has been nearly 2000 years since Jesus gave that warning and there has been no apocalypse yet. Sure, there have been signs of end times and there have been prophets of doom, but we still seem to be plugging along. And over that amount of time, with so many false warnings…we have become complacent and joyously nonchalant about any apocalyptic event. Yes, we see that theme in movies, but heroes always arise to defer final destruction. And besides, we no longer believe in a God who is mean enough, or angry enough to destroy the world. So why worry? Were those early disciples confused because they were caught up in the anxiety of their time?
If that is a danger then perhaps we should learn something: if cultural anxiety caused the disciples to miss the real Jesus, then might that happen again? Even to us? Are we missing Jesus’ true message because we are caught up in the troubles of the times? Distracted disciples are everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pastor Mike
“A Sign”
Mark 13 is often called a ‘mini-apocalypse’ because Jesus gives a short answer to the disciples question about the end of time. In Jesus’ day that was a big question…when will God come to deliver us?
But I’m not sure that Jesus really answered their question. He told them to keep watch, he told them what signs to look out for, and even told them to head for the hills when it gets bad. But ultimately he told them that they will never know exactly when it will happen and that they must remain on guard.
When will it happen?
We don’t even ask that question any more. It has been nearly 2000 years since Jesus gave that warning and there has been no apocalypse yet. Sure, there have been signs of end times and there have been prophets of doom, but we still seem to be plugging along. And over that amount of time, with so many false warnings…we have become complacent and joyously nonchalant about any apocalyptic event. Yes, we see that theme in movies, but heroes always arise to defer final destruction. And besides, we no longer believe in a God who is mean enough, or angry enough to destroy the world. So why worry? Were those early disciples confused because they were caught up in the anxiety of their time?
If that is a danger then perhaps we should learn something: if cultural anxiety caused the disciples to miss the real Jesus, then might that happen again? Even to us? Are we missing Jesus’ true message because we are caught up in the troubles of the times? Distracted disciples are everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pastor Mike