My wife and I have arrived at that poignant age when we can’t believe how quickly time has passed—especially while looking at one of my favorite videos of our oldest son, taken when he was just 2 years old. Miska and I had gone out for a date, and the kid-sitter shot a short video of our boy clinging to the bottom ledge of the living room window. He was just tall enough to peek over the edge. As he watched us get in our car and drive away, he said, “Momma. Dadda.” There was an anxious longing in his voice. Our son was sad to see us go and eager for us to return.
Mark wrote his gospel to tell others about Jesus. The Savior had ascended to the Father, and now some wondered if they might be left to fend for themselves. Some were anxious and uncertain of His care for them. Mark wrote words that must have helped soothe his readers’ troubled minds, stating: “You can know that [Jesus’] return is very near, right at the door” (Mark 13:29).
The precise meaning and intricate details of Jesus’ words have confused many (myself at the top of the list), but the one thing that seems most certain is this: Jesus has never abandoned His world or His people. And He never will. In Jesus, God came to the world with a brilliant display of grace and power. And this same Savior is the One who, even now, rules “with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26). God hasn’t abandoned us. Rather, Jesus has proven that He is Lord over all.
God came for us when we were in need, and He will return once again. In the meantime, He calls us to “be on guard,” “stay alert,” and “watch for him” (Mark 13:33,37). Whenever we’re tempted to lose hope, we can encourage one another with this promise from God: He will come back for us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
More:
Read Mark 13:34-36 again. What does this short parable tell you about God’s faithfulness? What does it tell you about what we’re to do as we wait?
Next:
How does Jesus’ promise to come again speak into your fears or loneliness? How is He present with you even as you wait for Him to return?
Gary Shultz on November 27, 2015 at 7:02 am
One distinct advantage of being older is you have seen over and over God’s faithfulness. The shadows are not a question because God has proven Himself to be more than enough. He who commanded the universe into place and knows the number of hairs on my head, He is more then able to hold me in His world, despite what fears that may surface, no one else but my Lord can respond to them and give the comfort of Himself and His promises. Never could one as He forget His children, since all was invested to purchase us. He loves too much. Thanks
Winn Collier on November 27, 2015 at 10:35 am
For me, sometimes the question grow easier to answer and sometimes more difficult. Trust required either way.
jim spillane on November 27, 2015 at 11:42 am
Winn – in reply to your question about what we are to do while we wait, my answer would be that besides being vigilant and trying to interpret the signs, He has also given us the Great Commission as stated in Matthew 28:18-20, and this is where I fall short. Although I have been saved by grace through faith, I am not very diligent in trying to lead others to Christ. Remember, “go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” is not a suggestion, it’s a command, just as important as loving God and loving your neighbor. May the Holy Spirit give me what’s needed to accomplish this. Thankx and blessings to all.
Marlena Graves on November 27, 2015 at 8:10 pm
It is very comforting to know that Jesus hasn’t abandoned us. We have to believe that, that he knows what is going on especially these days when the whole world seems to be blowing up all over.
Winn Collier on November 28, 2015 at 11:33 am
these are often harsh days, aren’t they? I’m thankful that’s not the whole story.