Our Savior Reigns

Assuring Hope
Jesus, the Promised Servant-leader

Mark 13:14-27 (The Message)

Run for the Hills

 ^14-18"But be ready to run for it when you see the monster of desecration set up where it should never be. You who can read, make sure you understand what I'm talking about. If you're living in Judea at the time, run for the hills; if you're working in the yard, don't go back to the house to get anything; if you're out in the field, don't go back to get your coat. Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard. Hope and pray this won't happen in the middle of winter.  ^19-20"These are going to be hard days—nothing like it from the time God made the world right up to the present. And there'll be nothing like it again. If he let the days of trouble run their course, nobody would make it. But because of God's chosen people, those he personally chose, he has already intervened.

No One Knows the Day or Hour

 ^21-23"If anyone tries to flag you down, calling out, 'Here's the Messiah!' or points, 'There he is!' don't fall for it. Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. So watch out. I've given you fair warning.  ^24-25"Following those hard times,

   Sun will fade out,
      moon cloud over,
   Stars fall out of the sky,
      cosmic powers tremble.
 ^26-27"And then they'll see the Son of Man enter in grand style, his Arrival filling the sky—no one will miss it! He'll dispatch the angels; they will pull in the chosen from the four winds, from pole to pole.


For Reflection

Our world is always in turmoil.  It is the repeating pattern of  history.  We suffer greatly.  But, in our suffering is found the essence of Godliness.  We manage to rise above the chaos.

The Son of Man has shown us the way.  Truth, justice, and the end of fear mark our Savior's reign. He brought and brings a message of hope and salvation.  He comes again, to each of us here and now.   We are asked only to keep the faith and abide in God.  How are you doing?

Pray
Keep us watchful for glimpses of God's grace.  Keep us focused on the Way, the Truth and the Light.  Remind us that we live in the hollow of God's hand.  Keep us safe from false prophets.  Keep us in the service of the Lord.