"Just say what God tells you to." - Mark 13
This chapter was a bit confusing for me. I meditated on it a bit and prayed for some help. I've heard some comentary on this chapter that tries to say that all things spoken of are for the disciples in their time, but I can't justify that. Basically, I have come to the conclusion that this chapter contains warnings about the future, both near and far. There seem to be events foretold that would occur before the disciples would die:
30 I assure you, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these events have taken place.
2 Jesus replied, "These magnificent buildings will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another."
In verse 2, Jesus foretells what would actually take place before some of the disciples died - the Temple that was rebuilt by Herod to appease the Jews was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70.
This chapter also contains warnings which are foretold for believers in the future concerning Jesus second coming:
24 "At that time, after those horrible days end, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give light, 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. 26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send forth his angels to gather together his chosen ones from all over the world – from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven."
What an amazing day that will be! Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
For me the encouragement in this chapter came from verse 11:
11 But when you are arrested and stand trial, don't worry about what to say in your defense. Just say what God tells you to. Then it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
I took this beyond the application of being on trial to apply to all my situations. When I'm trying to interpret Scripture and do dBrag writings, "Just say what God tells you to." When I'm speaking with a brother concerning a decision, "Just say what God tells you to." When I'm witnessing to someone at work, "Just say what God tells you to." When I don't know exactly how to pray for someone, "Just say what God tells you to." Work issues? "Just say what God tells you to." Family issues? "Just say what God tells you to." Prayer issues? "Just say what God tells you to."
Lord, how fortunate we are to have You living inside us! Help us to always listen to Your still, small voice in every situation.
peace,
e
30 I assure you, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these events have taken place.
2 Jesus replied, "These magnificent buildings will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another."
In verse 2, Jesus foretells what would actually take place before some of the disciples died - the Temple that was rebuilt by Herod to appease the Jews was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70.
This chapter also contains warnings which are foretold for believers in the future concerning Jesus second coming:
24 "At that time, after those horrible days end, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give light, 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. 26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send forth his angels to gather together his chosen ones from all over the world – from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven."
What an amazing day that will be! Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
For me the encouragement in this chapter came from verse 11:
11 But when you are arrested and stand trial, don't worry about what to say in your defense. Just say what God tells you to. Then it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
I took this beyond the application of being on trial to apply to all my situations. When I'm trying to interpret Scripture and do dBrag writings, "Just say what God tells you to." When I'm speaking with a brother concerning a decision, "Just say what God tells you to." When I'm witnessing to someone at work, "Just say what God tells you to." When I don't know exactly how to pray for someone, "Just say what God tells you to." Work issues? "Just say what God tells you to." Family issues? "Just say what God tells you to." Prayer issues? "Just say what God tells you to."
Lord, how fortunate we are to have You living inside us! Help us to always listen to Your still, small voice in every situation.
peace,
e
