Word@Work 156 - Mark 13:17-20
Published: Tue, 07/01/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 13:17-20 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that this will not take place in winter, because those will be days of distress unequalled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now - and never to be equalled again. If the Lord had not cut short those days, no-one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. (NIV)
The atrocities that accompanied the temple desecrations of AD 67 and 70 were not worth staying around for! Nor will be the time of the Anti-Christ. But fleeing for your life is no fun either. As has so often happened in our generation, notably in Africa and the Balkans, what the selfish imperialist sees as being justified is simply sheer misery to many. Jesus does not minimise the future threat, but neither is He callous. He has great compassion on pregnant women and those with very young children, especially if it is cold or in the rainy season - Jesus has no pleasure in any suffering.
But, you may remember from yesterday, this passage is a kaleidoscope of prophecy which includes the very last days before Jesus comes again. The hostility towards God's people and the terror in the world will become so intense - yes, even more extreme than any mayhem so far in history. Indeed, if those days were not kept on a leash, there would be no survivors. Even in those darkest of days, the children of God may be confident that their Father is not only the sustainer, but also the referee who will blow the final whistle.
It would be nice if God only allowed nice things to happen to Christians. But that would not be the real world, which is corrupt at its core. One day, evil will be seen for what it truly is, with no flesh-comforting camouflage. There will be no doubt about the righteousness of Jesus in sorting it out. Then, every knee will have no choice but to bow to Him. However for those of us who love Him, who 'are waiting for His appearing', He will be kind to us ... as He is every day now.
Prayer: Father God. It is difficult to imagine the worst of trials, but I thank You that I have Jesus and He has a special interest in my welfare and protection. For every mercy I have received, thank You. Help me to trust your loving kindness every day until Jesus comes again. In His Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The atrocities that accompanied the temple desecrations of AD 67 and 70 were not worth staying around for! Nor will be the time of the Anti-Christ. But fleeing for your life is no fun either. As has so often happened in our generation, notably in Africa and the Balkans, what the selfish imperialist sees as being justified is simply sheer misery to many. Jesus does not minimise the future threat, but neither is He callous. He has great compassion on pregnant women and those with very young children, especially if it is cold or in the rainy season - Jesus has no pleasure in any suffering.
But, you may remember from yesterday, this passage is a kaleidoscope of prophecy which includes the very last days before Jesus comes again. The hostility towards God's people and the terror in the world will become so intense - yes, even more extreme than any mayhem so far in history. Indeed, if those days were not kept on a leash, there would be no survivors. Even in those darkest of days, the children of God may be confident that their Father is not only the sustainer, but also the referee who will blow the final whistle.
It would be nice if God only allowed nice things to happen to Christians. But that would not be the real world, which is corrupt at its core. One day, evil will be seen for what it truly is, with no flesh-comforting camouflage. There will be no doubt about the righteousness of Jesus in sorting it out. Then, every knee will have no choice but to bow to Him. However for those of us who love Him, who 'are waiting for His appearing', He will be kind to us ... as He is every day now.
Prayer: Father God. It is difficult to imagine the worst of trials, but I thank You that I have Jesus and He has a special interest in my welfare and protection. For every mercy I have received, thank You. Help me to trust your loving kindness every day until Jesus comes again. In His 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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