THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:28-31
“This generation will not pass away until these things have happened.” (Mark 13:30)
Jesus is referring to the events of AD 70, when Rome destroys Jerusalem.
Those were terrible times, and since then the world hasn’t gotten any better.
Every generation since that time has endured times of sin’s fury unleashed.
Like ‘whack-a-mole’, evil and violence keep popping up somewhere in the world.
Its been a LONG time since Jesus said this, so when will He be coming?
I am not one to predict the end, it will come when it comes.
The signs of the times are not worse today, they are just different.
It can be depressing to focus on what is going wrong in the world.
But looking away from it doesn’t make it go away, we need something to look to!
“The Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)
Through all the brokenness and misery of this sin-messed world, I look for Jesus.
The fig tree sprouting can also be seen positively – signs of Jesus at work.
Every day I see signs of Jesus – love, mercy, grace – and it keeps me looking up!
Jesus is at work, if you pay attention… but you have to be looking up to see Him!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, threats of nuclear war, white supremacy riots, fentanyl overdoses, environmental instability, political chaos, crumbling moral foundations, extremism, mental illess… Your kingdom better be coming, THIS world sucks!
Read the signs.
The fig tree was a source of food for the Jews bearing fruit twice a year. The first fruit it is said came a day after Passover. See. There are signs for all to see like the signs of Spring or Fall or God’s kingdom.
Our world will not last. One thing is sure – He will return as He has promised. The book of Revelation tells us that there will be a new heaven and new earth. Am I able to read the sign of the times? One thing I do know is that His Word is reliable because my God has said it and it will happen. And I stand upon His promises.
1
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
3
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
4
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
5
Standing on the promises I shall not fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all,
Standing on the promises of God.