Word@Work 151 - Mark 13:3-4
Published: Tue, 06/24/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 13:3-4 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?" (NIV)
What a place for a tutorial! The Mount of Olives (the place of His later ascension cf Acts 1:12, and future return cf Zech 14:4) had a great view of the temple, which Jesus had just predicted would be destroyed (Mark 13:1-2). The disciples believed what He had said about its destruction - but wanted to know "when?"
In Biblical prophecy, there is never enough information for us to outwit God's plan; but always enough clues, so that those who are looking can know that its fulfilment is a deliberate act of God. That is why we are challenged to look with longing for the return of Jesus (2 Tim 4:8). However, the interval between the end of Jesus' earthly ministry and His return is a very significant period - we are in it right now! And so, Jesus was about to prepare them (and us).
"What is going to happen?", is a natural human concern. If we know what will happen and when; we can plan, prepare, and generally be in control of our lives. And there is much to be said for using time wisely: good diary management will certainly enable Christians to be more effective at work and in ministry. But some things are not given for us to control - God reserves the right to keep them as His secrets (cf Deut. 29:29)! We cannot plan or manage them - we simply have to trust Him.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for all the things that you have given to me to manage: help me to be responsible to You for them. Thank You too that You have not entrusted me with other things; matters that are for You alone to direct, and for me to trust. Help me to keep trusting, because You always do what is right. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
What a place for a tutorial! The Mount of Olives (the place of His later ascension cf Acts 1:12, and future return cf Zech 14:4) had a great view of the temple, which Jesus had just predicted would be destroyed (Mark 13:1-2). The disciples believed what He had said about its destruction - but wanted to know "when?"
In Biblical prophecy, there is never enough information for us to outwit God's plan; but always enough clues, so that those who are looking can know that its fulfilment is a deliberate act of God. That is why we are challenged to look with longing for the return of Jesus (2 Tim 4:8). However, the interval between the end of Jesus' earthly ministry and His return is a very significant period - we are in it right now! And so, Jesus was about to prepare them (and us).
"What is going to happen?", is a natural human concern. If we know what will happen and when; we can plan, prepare, and generally be in control of our lives. And there is much to be said for using time wisely: good diary management will certainly enable Christians to be more effective at work and in ministry. But some things are not given for us to control - God reserves the right to keep them as His secrets (cf Deut. 29:29)! We cannot plan or manage them - we simply have to trust Him.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for all the things that you have given to me to manage: help me to be responsible to You for them. Thank You too that You have not entrusted me with other things; matters that are for You alone to direct, and for me to trust. Help me to keep trusting, because You always do what is right. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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