ESOCS Devotional 22 April 2023
MEMORY VERSE: “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.” Mark 13:1-13
TEXT: MARK 13:1-13
And as [Jesus] was coming out of the temple [area], one of His disciples said to Him, Look, Teacher! Notice the sort andquality of these stones and buildings!
2 And Jesus replied to him, You see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be loosened and torn down.
3 And as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple [enclosure], Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately,
4 Tell us when is this to take place and what will be the sign when these things, all [of them], are about to be accomplished?
5 And Jesus began to tell them, Be careful and watchful that no one misleads you [about it].
6 Many will come in [appropriating to themselves] the name [of Messiah] which belongs to Me [basing their claims on the use of My name], saying, I am [He]! And they will mislead many.
7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not get alarmed (troubled and frightened); it is necessary [that these things] take place, but the end is not yet.
8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines and calamities. This is but the beginning of the intolerable anguish and suffering [only the first of the [f]birth pangs].
9 But look to yourselves; for they will turn you over to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake as a testimony to them.
10 And the good news (the Gospel) must first be preached to all nations.
11 Now when they take you [to court] and put you under arrest, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say nor [even] meditate about it; but say whatever is given you in that hour and at [h]the moment, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
12 And brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; and children will take a stand against their parents and [have] them put to death.
13 And you will be hated and detested by everybody for My name’s sake, but he who patiently perseveres and endures to the end will be saved (made a partaker of the salvation by Christ, and delivered from spiritual death).
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
In this prophecy, Jesus speaks of the imminent destruction of Jerusalem and ultimately the end of age and gave signs concerning its fulfillment. As regards the end of age, no one knows just when the events He spoke of will happen, so we are to be on our guard and attend to our duties as Christians as we expect the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ
He tells of the terrible events that the world will experience as His Second Coming draws near. False Christs will come in various ways, disguising themselves and performing signs and wonders to lead Christians astray. The world will not be at peace for there will be wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines and different types of troubles. These are the initial phase of the events of the end of age.
Then Christians will suffer much for they shall be greatly persecuted. They shall be beaten, dragged before judges for the sake of Christ. They are not to worry about what to say in defense, for the Holy Spirit will give them utterance. They are not to be discouraged but persevere in the work of the gospel, for the gospel must first be preached among all nations.
People are going to sell their conscience and be ready to do anything to survive; with brother delivering brother to death. Fathers will betray their children and children their parents; each handing the other to death. It will be a terrible time and Christians shall be greatly hated. Jesus warns His disciples to take heed. Christians are to be on the alert for things will creep into the practice of the Christian faith that will aim at sapping the vitality in their faith and make them fall away. Christians should be strong in faith and endure all things for the kingdom. They should keep their lamps oiled and trimmed. Jesus promises that those who will endure to the end shall be saved. Then on that glorious and terrible day, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give light and the heavens shall be shaken. Then our Lord Jesus will come in the clouds in the company of His angels with great throng, and great shouts, and with power and glory; and will gather His elects from the four corners of the world to reign with Him eternally.
- How prepared are you for the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ?
- What will you be ready to give up for the kingdom and what can’t you give up?
- Lord, give us the grace and the strength to stand firm and remain faithful to you, no matter the situation. At the end, may we be counted worthy to enter into your kingdom. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Exodus 5:1-7; Isaiah 26:13-19 Mark 16:9-18; 1 Peter 1:1-12
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ESOCS Devotional 22 April 2023
