[Mark 13, Proverbs 26]

H – Mark 13:5, “And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray.”

E – Persevere to The End!

Jesus had already declared 3 times, in the book of Mark, what must happen. He must suffer, die, and be raised from the dead on the third day (Mark 8:31, Mark 9:31, Mark 10:33-34). He made extremely evident what would bring about the salvation of all people who would confess Him as Savior and Lord (death-burial-resurrection). Yet, in Mark 13 Jesus takes it a step further and begins to speak about His second coming. 

In the days of His second coming, or the end of the age, there will be the best way to describe it, “mass chaos” (13:7-8, 12, 14-17, 24-25). There will also be those that appear to offer hope as the Christ (13:21-22). All of these things will take place in an attempt to lead people, even the elect, astray (v.22). 

There are so many imperatives (our involvement) in this passage: see that know one leads you astray (v.5), be on your guard (v.9, 23, 33), do not be anxious (v.11), keep awake (v.33), stay awake (v. 34, 35, 27). This is a call for the Christ follower to perseverance to the end. Here is a clear reality; if you are not in daily relationship with King Jesus it will be almost utterly impossible to persevere to the end. This is the warning. We need Jesus, every moment of every day. He must be our life (Colossians 3:4).

For one day, this side of heaven, we will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory (v.26) and it will be the ones who endured (in and through Him) to the end who will be saved (v.13). 

A – Prepare, Keep looking up. Believing there is 100% chance I will one day die and/or Christ will come again, people need to hear the Gospel. In a chaotic world the gospel must be proclaimed (v.10). I need to bear witness to Christ Jesus (v.9). He is the only hope for a world and people in chaos. 

R – Lord God, thank you for your salvation. Thank you for the hope of eternity. Thank you that you even prepare us to prepare for what will come. Lord help us not to be anxious, but trust you in all seasons of life. Lord, put people in my path today that need to hear the Gospel and I would simply be faithful to bear witness to your great name. Lord, help me through your conviction to be on guard, keep awake, stay awake, so that no-one or no thing would lead me astray. 

In Jesus Name!