Mark chapter 13 verse 11 (NIV)
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark chapter 13 verse 23 (NIV)
So be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance.
1 Corinthians Chapter 16 verse 13 (NIV)
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
James Chapter 1 verse 5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
In this chapter of Mark, Jesus had been teaching His disciples about the end times. Peter, James, John and Andrew had approached Him privately and asked Him to teach them further. As He does, He cautions them with the words of verse 13. Much has been written by Christian teachers about what the end times will be like in the light of this very chapter. Some have differing opinions. And in the fast-changing world news even of this last week, there are many who are speculating how close these times now are. It would be easy in the face of the headlines we now see to become anxious and even to try and speculate what might happen and what God’s plan is. We need to follow Jesus’ advice in these days in that we need to be on our guard and not let our emotions get the better of us. Just as Jesus encouraged His disciples, so also Paul encouraged the Corinthian church with the same message. And the message is unchanged. If we hold fast to God, we need not panic about how world events unfold, but we do need to be wise.
Many Christians will have leaders and teachers they look up to and admire; they may look to them for advice and guidance. But if those people differ in their opinions, what should we do? Go straight to the source. We can ask God for wisdom ourselves when we need to make decisions on such matters, and as Jesus told His disciples, we have the Holy Spirit within us to guide us. And we can pray more than ever for those in authority who need to make challenging choices and big decisions. And we can be secure in the knowledge that none of this is taking God by surprise, after all, as Jesus told His disciples, He had warned them in advance. He will therefore not let us be taken by surprise either. And thankfully, through it all, God remains Sovereign. Hallelujah!
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the confidence that we can have in You, no matter what. I do indeed ask for Your wisdom and guidance, and to be aware of Your leading amidst all the current and future speculation about world events. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.