Mark 13 - 7.22.25
SCRIPTURE: Mark 13:35-37 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!”
OBSERVATION: In this chapter Jesus refers to the future, His return, and our need to be ready for His return. Jesus gave us the signs that will be happening before He comes back. He talked about all the distress that will be going on in the world. He said there will be wars, and rumors of wars. Nations will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places and famines. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father, his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Jesus told His disciples, “Everyone will hate you because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
APPLICATION: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” GOD CERTAINLY IS AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN FOR US! In Christ Jesus, we are more than conquerors! NOTHING shall separate us from the love of Christ. Not trouble, not hardship, not persecution, not famine, not nakedness, not danger or sword! In ALL things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loves us…”For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 13:37-39). Christ-followers have never been exempt from hardships, BUT no matter what happens to us, God’s Word promises that nothing will be able to stop His constant presence and love for us! NOTHING!
PRAYER: God, You alone are sovereign; all knowing and all powerful! You are more powerful than the unseen forces of evil, and I am so grateful to be Your child! Help me to keep my eyes on You, and obedient to Your Word. Forgive me for the times I’ve been complacent, and have allowed the distractions of the world to distance myself from You. Forgive me for grumbling instead of being on my knees in prayer! Forgive me when I have allowed fear and panic to creep in when I have watched the news and witnessed the evil across the world, and recently being so prevalent in nearby streets! Thank You for the guidelines You have given to us as Your redeemed people regarding how to behave as Christ-followers in these end times. Thank You for teaching us how to live out our faith by staying closely connected to You. Thank You for having good, perfect, and pleasing plans for our future, and it’s only through You that we are able to remain strong, be bold and courageous to share the Good News, and remain alert as we wait for Your return.
- Robin Orefice
