Word@Work 159 - Mark 13:28-30
Published: Fri, 07/04/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 13:28-30 "Now learn this lesson from the fig-tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (NIV)
We learn much by observation. The repeated cycles of seasons and crops teach us what to expect next in the garden or the fields. In the same way, Jesus said, when some of His predictions are seen - that is the time to expect His return.
In fact, throughout history, Christians have seen glimpses of such fulfilment and have wanted to prepare themselves for the coming of the King. And that is a very good thing. The 'hope' of the Christian is not so much anticipating the end of suffering, as welcoming the Lord of Glory. To prepare for such a climactic event should be second nature for us. Alas, the excitement of our personal lives, our business activities or the sheer enjoyment of what this world can offer - all that can distract us from the goal of our faith ... Christ Himself!
We should not need painful spurs to remind us that this world is not our home - but we do! As humans who adapt all too well to the world around us, like chameleons that merge into the background; we need every reminder that we are frail and weak, physically and spiritually. The evil that taints so many of our good intentions also blinds us to the reality that Christ is coming. Such blindness will leave us dangerously unprepared for life and eternity. So, perhaps it is high time for a personal spiritual stocktaking.
Prayer: Dear Lord. I get so easily mesmerised by all that I have to do, that I forget the most important thing - to be ready for Your return; and the shutdown of all the things I consider so permanent. Help me to live wisely, discerning the times in which I live, so that I will be ready for You whenever you come or call me to Yourself. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
We learn much by observation. The repeated cycles of seasons and crops teach us what to expect next in the garden or the fields. In the same way, Jesus said, when some of His predictions are seen - that is the time to expect His return.
In fact, throughout history, Christians have seen glimpses of such fulfilment and have wanted to prepare themselves for the coming of the King. And that is a very good thing. The 'hope' of the Christian is not so much anticipating the end of suffering, as welcoming the Lord of Glory. To prepare for such a climactic event should be second nature for us. Alas, the excitement of our personal lives, our business activities or the sheer enjoyment of what this world can offer - all that can distract us from the goal of our faith ... Christ Himself!
We should not need painful spurs to remind us that this world is not our home - but we do! As humans who adapt all too well to the world around us, like chameleons that merge into the background; we need every reminder that we are frail and weak, physically and spiritually. The evil that taints so many of our good intentions also blinds us to the reality that Christ is coming. Such blindness will leave us dangerously unprepared for life and eternity. So, perhaps it is high time for a personal spiritual stocktaking.
Prayer: Dear Lord. I get so easily mesmerised by all that I have to do, that I forget the most important thing - to be ready for Your return; and the shutdown of all the things I consider so permanent. Help me to live wisely, discerning the times in which I live, so that I will be ready for You whenever you come or call me to Yourself. For Your Name's sake. 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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