Day 13: The End of the Age

Pray these words: 

Dear Jesus, Thank you for the promises in your word. I praise you today because you are faithful. Please guide me to live a life honoring you. I pray that my heart will be changed by the reading of your word. In your name, Amen. 

Mark 13:1-13 reads: 

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Think About It: 

This passage calls Christians to live a certain way. Reflect on these 5 things:

1. I need to guard myself against people and cultural forces that will try to lead me away from Christ.

2. I need to accept that persecution is a normal part of following Jesus. 

3. I need to rely on the Holy Spirit.

4. I need endurance to live in the pressures of this sinful world.

5. I need assurance that the gospel will ultimately triumph.

Do I struggle with the reality of any of these statements? Why is this?

Pray these words:

Dear Jesus, Thank you for the reading of your word. In your name, Amen.