Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Year 5, Day 160: Mark 13

Theological Commentary: Click Here


Discipleship Focus: Competency

  • Competency: Being able to accomplish what one is called to do.

When I read Mark 13, I hear Jesus making sure to get the last points of warning in to the disciples before they see Him crucified.  The worst thing that could happen is about to happen.  Humanity is about to reject the very Son of God and the world of Jesus’ disciples is about to spin completely upside down for a short period of time.  Jesus wants to make sure that they are ready.

Look at His words.  Jesus warns the disciples not to be impressed with the massive constructions of mankind because even those will not truly endure.  Jesus warns them that they will be dragged before people because of the message they preach and that this will happen so that the Holy Spirit will have an opportunity to speak through them.  Jesus warns them that as time goes on that there will be many people who come into our presence and try and deceive us.  Jesus warns the disciples that they won’t always know what is about to happen or even what God is about to do; but they should keep on persevering to the end whether they know what is going to happen or not.

In other words, Jesus wants them to be competent in the face of trial and difficulty.  Jesus wants them to be able to come through difficult times with their mind and eyes still focused on what matters and what is important.  Jesus wants them to be strong so that their witness speaks to others competently.

Let’s face it.  Who among us isn’t going to have difficulty in life?  Who among us isn’t going to face persecution by someone who just doesn’t care for us?  Who among us will never meet someone who believes differently than we do?  These are all realities in life.  Difficult moments will come.  It is important for us to be prepared so that we can competently come through them.

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