Mark 13

In today’s chapter there were two parts of Scripture that stood out to me. The first was in verse 7 – “When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”

The words ‘end times’ are a hot topic today and perhaps they have been for many generations as we always find ourselves saying that ‘it can’t get any worse than this’. But what stood out to me in this verse are the words “such things must happen”. This reminds us that this is all part of God’s great and glorious plan. Though we don’t understand the plan, we can understand and recognize that He is in control.

“When you see the ‘abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong – let the reader understand – then let those who are in Judaea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak.” Mark 13:14-16 NIV

In addition to recognizing that God is in control, we ought to also recognize that which is from Him and that which is from the evil one. Our recognition of this will allow us to flee away from sin and not be tempted to take part in it at any level. We are to remain steadfast in the Lord and our duty to Him, while letting go and fleeing from that which might distract us or pull us away from Him.

Though the end times will consist of chaos and much disorder, for the Christian, it should be looked upon as orderly and peace – for such things must happen and will happen. But how dreadful it will be for those who do not know and accept Christ as their personal saviour.