Friday, March 20, 2015

The time of Christ’s return to gather His people





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]


[1] Image by Ed Rioja © Higher Things
[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff, pg. 311, CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
[3] Collect for Friday of Lent 4,  http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

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