Scripture: Mark 13:7
When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.
Thought for the Day: In light of recent events in Israel, Gaza and the Ukraine — along with so many other places of war, injustice and suffering — this scripture from Mark’s Gospel makes a person wonder. Yet it is important to know that a decade hasn’t gone by since those words were penned that tragic and horrific events haven’t left people asking, “Is this the end?” As far as I know, the end has not come. Might I suggest that we read the verse again, doing so in its larger context that speaks of such events as only a hint of the birth pangs that are being felt prior to the genesis of a God-thing. More importantly is the word end, telos in the Greek. It describes the completion of many steps, yet according to the passage, those steps have not been made despite the wars and rumors of wars. This verse is not inviting us to look anxiously to the sky for the end, but to take notice of such events and to recognize how our task is far from complete. Despite many who make a lot of money from their books and DVD’s — despite the many who are encouraging you to remain passive except to order the updated version of their resources — despite many attempts to get us to take our eyes off the task, this passage is saying something very different. It’s a call to faithfulness, to take another step toward the kingdom of God, to act like midwives in the birthing of God’s reign here on earth.
Prayer: God of All Creation, my heart breaks this day for all those who are suffering, grieving and frightened. I believe your heart breaks as well. May the heartache I feel not lead me to the practice of passivity, but to the work of Kingdom-living. Amen.
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