Word@Work 160 - Mark 13:31
Published: Mon, 07/07/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (NIV)
When we realise that this geophysical world, (with its surrounding geophysical heavens) is a temporary construction, we may be shaken into wondering: what then is permanent? For the disciples, all this teaching so close to Jesus' death must have been overwhelming. But this chapter shows His reassurances were never far away. The answer to the question of permanence is simple; only the words of Jesus stand for ever!
This is an essential guarantee for our faith too. Without the Gospel narratives, and the Word of God in the Old Testament (validated by Jesus) and the instructions by the New Testament apostles (validated by Jesus), we could have no confidence with which to navigate through time to eternity. Jesus claims that His words are the eternal measure of truth, and the only objective reality. Such a statement casts Jesus in a unique position, infinitely above any religious wise man, prophet or pious philosopher.
In today's spiritual marketplace, where the sentimental, the supernatural and the surreal all compete for hearts and minds, Jesus alone is 'for ever' true. Even the politics of compromise and tolerance are no match for Him. It is not good enough to believe that something is true for you - if it is not true for everybody ... and for ever. In Jesus alone we have words that can never fail. And, He is the real person who will make sure that everything conflicting with His words is destroyed, and all that conforms will last for ever. Terrifying and comforting! It should be impossible to keep such news a secret!
Prayer: Eternal God. Thank You that the words of Jesus are not only true for now, but for ever. Help me to let His words shape my life and my lips, because I know that that they define my eternity ... and the future for all my family and friends. In His Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
When we realise that this geophysical world, (with its surrounding geophysical heavens) is a temporary construction, we may be shaken into wondering: what then is permanent? For the disciples, all this teaching so close to Jesus' death must have been overwhelming. But this chapter shows His reassurances were never far away. The answer to the question of permanence is simple; only the words of Jesus stand for ever!
This is an essential guarantee for our faith too. Without the Gospel narratives, and the Word of God in the Old Testament (validated by Jesus) and the instructions by the New Testament apostles (validated by Jesus), we could have no confidence with which to navigate through time to eternity. Jesus claims that His words are the eternal measure of truth, and the only objective reality. Such a statement casts Jesus in a unique position, infinitely above any religious wise man, prophet or pious philosopher.
In today's spiritual marketplace, where the sentimental, the supernatural and the surreal all compete for hearts and minds, Jesus alone is 'for ever' true. Even the politics of compromise and tolerance are no match for Him. It is not good enough to believe that something is true for you - if it is not true for everybody ... and for ever. In Jesus alone we have words that can never fail. And, He is the real person who will make sure that everything conflicting with His words is destroyed, and all that conforms will last for ever. Terrifying and comforting! It should be impossible to keep such news a secret!
Prayer: Eternal God. Thank You that the words of Jesus are not only true for now, but for ever. Help me to let His words shape my life and my lips, because I know that that they define my eternity ... and the future for all my family and friends. 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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