Good evening y’all. Today we are studying Mark chapter 13.

Be blessed 🙂

In verse 7 Jesus tells us there will be wars and threats of wars but we shouldn’t panic.
“And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” (Mark 13:7 NLT)

This is very comforting especially in our world today where people are being killed everyday for no reason, nation fighting against nations, terrorist attacks everywhere. Sometimes we become  fearful and don’t want to even leave the house. We start to live in the fear of what might happen. If I go to the mall will there be someone waiting to bomb it? Reading this verse, made me realise that God doesn’t want us to live in the fear of all that’s happening around us. He specifically said do not be afraid. Another version says do not panic. Let’s stop living in fear but rather let’s allow the fear draw us closer to God and find the strength and courage to face the days ahead. Lets keep our eyes on Jesus.

Verses 9 – 11 tells us that persecution will surely come, but again Jesus says don’t worry or fear, not even about what we need to say when we have to defend ourselves. He tells us that the Holy Spirit himself will fill our mouths with the right things to say. What a wonderful thing for the Holy Spirit to take control of our mouths and our words 🙂

The later part of verse 13 says the one who endures to the end will be saved.
“And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved”. (v13 NLT)
That is, we mustn’t allow ourselves get distracted by all that’s going on. This is the time to build up our strength in God through study of the Word and prayer. We can’t wait for the day of battle to start preparing….now is the time so that when those days come we are prepared and can stand till the end.  Proverbs 24:10 says If a man fails in the day of adversity, his strength is weak. Lets start building up our strength in God. We mustn’t loose sight of Him.

Verse 22 tells us about false preachers and leaders rising up to lead a lot of people astray.
“For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. (Mark 13: 22 NLT)
It’s already happening. There are many false preachers claiming to be miracle workers scaming people left right and centre. Even christians are falling for their scams! So lets be on alert. Test everything we hear against the word of God. If there is ever a time when we need the Holy Spirit more, its now. This is the time for us to make sure we are constantly being led by the Holy Spirit so we can discern between what is of God and that which is false.

I will end with these words from Jesus:

“Watch, then, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming—it might be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or at sunrise. If he comes suddenly, he must not find you asleep. What I say to you, then, I say to all: Watch!”(Mark‬ ‭13:35-37‬ ‭GNT‬‬)

The end is drawing nigh. Let us to reevaluate our lives and make sure we are living in accordance to God’s word. Also, let’s start sharing the gospel every opportunity we get. Jesus is coming soon.
Don’t let anyone fool you by telling you they know when Jesus is coming. That’s a big fat lie. No one knows when He is coming, hence why we need to be watchful and alert. Make sure we are ready at all times and are found faithful when He comes.

Prayer:
Dear Lord thank You for giving us your son Jesus to die for us. Help us be watchful and alert while we wait for your return. Strengthen our faith in you so we are able to stand till the end.In Jesus Name we prayed. Amen.

Thanks for joining today. Pls feel free to share your thots on the chapter 🙂

Have a blessed day 🙂

***With God all things are possible***