Sunday 27 November 2011

Background

This section of the Gospels is known as Mark's 'littleapocalypse'. Prior to this passage, Jesus had been speaking to hisdisciples about the future destruction of the temple in Jerusalem(from Mark 13:1). The disciples are understandablyshaken by this frightening image and, a little later, when they'resitting up on the Mount of Olives with a good view of the temple,they ask him to explain. So Jesus begins to talk to them about theend times, what will happen and how they should judge the events tocome. Some people see today's passage as relating specifically tothe destruction of the temple, others to the return of Jesus.

In verses 3-23, Jesus warns his disciples that timeof global suffering and distress is coming, with imminent wars,earthquakes and famine. And then (as today's passage records),Jesus will return to call his people home.

I really struggle with passages like this, passages that speak ofGod's cosmic power and otherness. Sometimes I think I'd prefer ameek and mild Jesus, one who looked after the status quo. I'd likethe sun and moon to continue to give us light, and the stars tostay exactly where they are, thank you very much.

But there is something reassuring about this passage as well. Thepreceding verses paint a terrifying picture of a world on the brinkof destruction and many of the signs Jesus mentions may seemfamiliar to us today. We don't know how long this world willcontinue to be broken, but in this passage, Jesus promises that thesuffering will come to an end with his return.

This brings to mind the promise that we find at the end of the bookof Revelation: "See, the home of God is among mortals. He willdwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will bewith them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will beno more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for thefirst things have passed away. And the one who was seated on thethrone said, 'See, I am making all things new.'" (Revelation21:3-5)

Whatever will come as this world draws to a close, one thing'sclear: the future is in God's hands, not ours. 

To Ponder

Do we sometimes get so cosy with God that weforget how powerful and mighty God is?

Do you believe that 'the end times' are coming?What do you imagine they might look like?

How do you deal with Bible passages that make youfeel uncomfortable? Is this one of them?