3.20.2015 Friday of Lent 4 Mark 13:24-37 The time of Christ’s return
to gather His people
Jesus tells
of the coming tribulation, the collapse of the universe, the return of Christ
and the gathering of His people. There follows the parable of the fig tree
which is to give the faithful an indication of the time this will happen. While
the universe passes and generations come and go, there is assurance that God’s
Word is eternal. [2]
When the
universe falls apart, Christ will soon return to gather His own, but in
contrast His words are changeless.
Jesus
prophesied that the end of all things would come. He also revealed to the inner
circle of His disciples that He would come again in triumph and glory to gather
His followers. He promised that He would come to claim His church. Jesus
invites us, His disciples today, to an awareness and sense of anticipation of
His second advent. He reminds us that though heaven and earth will pass away
His words will not pass away.
The earth of which we live is not
eternal. Heaven and earth will pass away. Jesus has predicted all these events.
The Lord Jesus has promised that His words will last forever. He invites us to
trust and to treasure particularly the assurance of forgiveness that comes from
His death and resurrection. Rejoice in the three great realities; forgiveness,
life, salvation. Live as it this might be the last day, for you know, it very
well just might be!
O God, you have given us the good news of your
abounding love in your Son Jesus Christ: So fill our hearts with thankfulness
that we may rejoice to proclaim the good tidings we have received; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, forever and ever. Amen[3]
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