May 17

Mark 13:24-31 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Observation

Jesus warns us to pay attention to the signs and be ready for the end at the same time. These signs include wars, earthquakes, false teachers, family trouble, people forsaking the faith and persecution of Christians. And we know that these things have been taking place for many years, and will only get worse as the end approaches nearer. It is true it has been over 2000 years, yet the end hasn’t come. It is also true it has been like two days for the Lord (II Peter 3:8). Today’s passage is and should be an on-going reminder of the perspective we as God’s people must remember and cherish for this life on the earth until that day.

Application

I am reminded of the recent Haiti earthquake, a natural disaster that literally devastated the whole country. I am also thinking of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a man-made disaster that seems to have no immediate ending. “Where is the world heading toward?” was the initial question popped up in my limited mind. “Are these also signs of the end of the age?” was another question that immediately followed. Whether they are or not, what is clear is that God wants me to be prepared for the coming of the end.

How? The only sure way is to hang on to the Word of God that will not pass away when everything else will be gone. The so-called protections, whether they come from professions, possessions and positions, will be no more sooner or later. As Jesus draws my attention to the fig tree for its lesson, I am in need of reminding myself that the better I understand this truth, the more I can re-align myself to the things of God. Then, I will be able to live this life on earth accordingly by sharing the good news of great joy to the lost.

Prayer

Father God, I thank you so much for reminding me this morning once again of the reality of this world. Things that are taking place today clearly point to the fact that the end is coming nearer. Yet, I praise you for assuring me of the grand plan of the Return of Jesus. With that promise and anticipation, I ask the Holy Spirit to continually empower me to spread the good news of great joy to people around me today. Amen.

--p. han song