Mark 13:5-13
Today's Advent Reading

Sometimes my 14-year-old daughter and I will have disagreements. Sometimes hurtful things are said and misunderstandings occur. But usually we come to an agreement and reconcile before the end of the day.

This Scripture speaks of the end times, when brother will betray brother to death, a father his child, and children will rebel and have their parents put to death. Whew! I think about my family and am grateful that we are at least not at that point! But the world will one day be so divided at that nation will be against nation, kingdom against kingdom. Even the earth itself will heave with earthquakes, and famines will occur.

Jesus warns us to be on our guard, to stand firm. As we now look forward to Christmas day, we can also look forward to the end of the age--when Jesus will come and put an end to famines, wars, and rebellion. As we wait, we can watch and be ready, and thank him for the strength to endure whatever comes. We look to him, where we can find rest in our Prince of Peace who came to save the world as a baby in a manger, and who will return as Reigning King.


- posted by Suzi @ 7:41 AM