Mark 13 DEVO: Keep Watch

Chapter 13:
In this chapter we are told 4 times to “watch”, 3 times to “be on our guard” and another time to “be alert.” Jesus, through Mark, wants his readers to be ready! For what you say? For future stuff – specifically in this chapter, the tribulation and Jesus’ second coming.
The disciples were much like you & me, impressed with human accomplishments. Jesus shocks them by saying, "Do you see all these great buildings?" Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." A bit taken back, finally, one of them asks Jesus later, “Tell us, when will these things happen?” This begins a quite lengthy answer by Jesus.
Mark records the description of a future period known as the tribulation, which appropriately describes what it will be like. False prophets, wars, deception, earthquakes & famines are just a few of the “birth pains” or indicators that we’re getting close. And we totally see this stuff today, so hey, we’re close!
Other things that will happen is believers will be persecuted but through this persecution “the Gospel will be preached to all nations.” Unheard of abominations (a pig – unclean - was sacrificed on the altar) will occur, the biggest being someone else claiming to be the Messiah. This will be followed by dreadful times of murders, pain and “days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.” Will believers go through all of this? Some theologians think so, some don’t. What we DO know is that it WILL happen just like God says and we are to be ready!
Then, some time after the tribulation (23-32), there will be some kind of disintegration of the universe just before we “see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”
SO WHAT?!
*When you hear of the events described in this chapter, what reaction do you have?
• It can cause confusion – whenever we read of future things the details seem foggy.
• We may also react with some fears, I mean who can endure the things listed?
• It may also bring concerns for friends, family and neighbors we love.
*SO – HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?
• First and most important, we need to be sure we are right with God. Have you put your trust & faith in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sin that HE paid with His life in your place? If you’ve done this, your eternity is secure!
• Persevere: Ask God for strength for each day to overcome.
• Finally, “What I say to you I say to everyone: ‘Watch.’” (vs37)