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November 6th

The bible reading today is in Mark 13.

“And Jesus began to say to his disciples, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭13:5-7‬

Jesus had already explained to his disciples what awaited him in Jerusalem that particular week. But did they really get it?

Apparently, his disciples accepted the bits and pieces of that message that they could reconcile with their preconceived ideas about Messiahship.

But we know from our former readings of the gospel accounts that his arrest and trial and sentence of death and the carrying out of that gruesome sentence was “crushing” upon the disciples. No, they didn't really get it...not yet.

Now Jesus is teaching his disciples from the Mt of Olives about what is going to happen on the earth after his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to heaven...before He comes again.

“Let no one lead you astray...” He said.

There’s going to be false messiahs show up claiming to be me. But they won't be.

There will be wars and famines and earthquakes engage the world. And there certainly has been even up to our generation.

Don't be fooled, the end is not yet. These will happen to be sure, but they are not signs of the end of all things.

G Campbell Morgan wrote comments on our present reading...saying...“Our Lord’s outlook upon this age did not reveal that the preaching of the gospel would eventually bring about good relations among all nations. The only thing that will do that is a new heaven and new earth that our Lord will create as His kingdom finally comes.” I agree.

“And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end is the saved one.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭13:12-13‬ ‭

It is easy for us in North America to underestimate how difficult persecution can be. If I came from an orthodox Jewish family, they might consider me a blasphemer and think of me as dead to them. If I came from a strict Muslim family, I might be rejected by my family and be literally killed for following Jesus. If I came from a Hindu family in India, I could be rejected and legally martyred for choosing Jesus. In China I would be allowed to practice my Christian faith, just as long ss I did it in a state-sponsored church. If I tried to start a church, it would be destroyed and I could be imprisoned. In Sudan, I might be killed or made a slave to a Muslim army. In Pakistan, I might be jailed indefinitely or be beheaded by jihadists in power.

According to David Barrett’s book, “Today’s Martyrs”, over 165,000 Christians died for their faith around the world in the year 2000. Researchers today estimate 43 million Christians have died for their faith since Pentecost 2000 years ago.

And how do the saved deal with abusive harassment and cruel torture and death for their confession of faith in Jesus? They endure. They don't look for a way to escape. They stay under, they persevere in faith until Jesus rescues them in life or in death.

O for living and dying grace for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ my Lord.

Have a great day.