Big Idea - Is the world going to end soon? The fires that have destroyed thousands of homes in LA and the scenes of devastation are being described as apocalyptic, a word used to describe events signaling the end of the world. The war in Ukraine is now the deadliest since WWII. The conflict and war in the Middle East are spreading, and with Israel at the center of it all, many are saying that we must be in the last days, the end is near. What is going to happen next? Are we living in the last days? How much time is left? In Mark 13, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple. This was a shocking announcement, but not one that was totally unexpected. The OT pointed to the Great Day of the Lord which would mark the end of the ages, the end of the world. The disciples assumed that the destruction of the Temple certainly marked the end of this world. They ask the same questions that we ask - "When?" and "What will be the sign that the end is near?" Jesus answers their question, but not really. He does not give them a clear timeline by which they can mark their calendars "end of the world!" The focus of His answer is not when the end will come but how things will go for them in the meantime and how they are to live while they wait! Are we in the end times? What do we need to do to be prepared for what is to come?
Jesus' answer has three parts. First, He talks about the things that are alarming, but do not signal the destruction of the Temple or the end of the world. Second, He does give them the sign to look for that precedes the destruction of the Temple. Thirdly, He indicates that there will be a delay between the destruction of the Temple and His final return and the end of the world. They will not happen together, as we know from history. The Temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Now, we await the second coming of Christ, but Jesus gives no indication or signs relating to His return. Instead, the focus is on how we are to live and how to be prepared so that we can endure to the end. We first need to know that Christians may experience all kinds of hardship, suffering, and trials. There will be wars, famine, earthquakes (and fires), and we will not be exempt from the suffering caused by these disasters. Not only that, but Christians will become the target of hatred and persecution because we are following Jesus. Jesus tells us three don'ts: 1) don't be deceived, 2) Don't be alarmed (don't freak out), and 3) don't be surprised. Then He reminds us of the one thing we must do, the one mission we must stay focused on: proclaim the Good News to the nations! He encourages us that we do not need to worry about what to say because the Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak when we need them. He does not say, the Spirit will protect you from harm, only that He will help you be effective witnesses for Him! In other words, God is not all that concerned about our safety and comfort, but He is very concerned about the message that must be proclaimed to the nations. That seems rather harsh and uncaring! How can God claim to be a loving God if He doesn't protect us from harm and keep us safe?
The problem with this thinking is that it vastly misunderstands what it really means to be safe. If we define being safe and comfortable in terms of our present-day circumstances, then the goal of life will be to avoid danger, threats, and harm at all costs. Of course, there is nothing wrong with fleeing in the face of danger when you can! Jesus warned them to flee when they saw the signs of impending doom and destruction! But, the great threat that looms before is not a war, a raging fire, an earthquake, or being hated and killed for our faith. The real danger, the most grave and terrifying threat to every human being, is to be cast into the eternal fires of hell, the judgment and consequences of sin. The only true safety is to be saved from eternal destruction and suffering through the saving work of Jesus on the cross. God desires that people be warned of this danger and are given the chance to be saved from this war, this disaster, this suffering. We are in a spiritual battle for people's souls, and it is not our comfort here and now that is important. The eternal salvation that comes through the blood of Jesus is the one thing that really matters! So we are called to endure to the end as faithful witnesses to Jesus and His offer of salvation! If we endure to the end, we are eternally safe, no matter what happens to us here and now!
