Pastoral Concerns

Mark 13:1-37

Pastor Miles

Oct 28, 2012

1. Jesus is concerned that we will be deceived.

And Jesus began to say to them, "See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

And then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. (Mark 13:5-8, 21-23 ESV)

• Watch that we won't be deceived by false prophets and worldly ways.
• We need to know the real Jesus in order to recognize the false ones.
• We can do this by studying His Word.

2. Jesus is concerned that we will be distracted from our mission.

"But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Mark 13:9-13 ESV)

Our Heavenly Father is in control. Don't worry about the details, trust God, use every opportunity to witness for Him.
We can just as easily be distracted e.g. Financial, relationship, health crises; business of life; but no matter what, look for what God is doing around you. He has placed us there for a reason. Use every opportunity to witness for Him.

3. Jesus is concerned that we will be discouraged by His delay.

"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Mark 13:24-31 ESV)

• Jesus' coming is near but there will be a delay. He reassures us that He will definitely come again. So while we wait, don't fall asleep. Only the Father knows the second coming.

"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake." (Mark 13:32-37 ESV)

• Each of us has an assigned task. Don't fall asleep on the job!
• Be prepared, be ready! Don't waste your time predicting when Jesus will return. Jesus Himself was content leaving that in His Father's hand. We need to live our lives in anticipation of His coming.

Are we living our lives completely in the knowledge of His certain coming?