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Advent 1 - Monday
By Pat Lee | December 1, 2008
Advent Take-Homes
The following have been used as resources for these take-homes.
In the Presence of the Lord—Advent Devotions by Caroline Pignat
Daybreaks—Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas by Patricia Livingston
Wake Up To Joy Devotions for Advent by Mark Neilsen
Following the Star—Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas by Mark Boyer
Living in Hope Advent Meditations—Henri Nouwen
First Week of Advent
Monday December 1 , 2008
Who, Not When
Scripture Reading: Mark 13:24-37
Scripture Verse: “But about that day or hour, no one knows…only the Father. Beware, keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come” Mark 13:32-33
For two thousand years or so, Christians have been curious about when the end of the world will come. Jesus’ first followers asked him one day in Jerusalem “Tell us, when will this be.” (Mark 13:4). Following his death and resurrection at Jesus’ ascension they wondered if that was the time. Several years later, St. Paul had to deal with Christians in Thessalonia who had quit work because they were sure the end was near.
It is important that when we read the many perplexing statements about the “end times” in the Bible, we distinguish between the Biblical words the human interpretations of what they mean.
Throughout the ages there have been Christians (and non-Christians) who claim they have broken some “secret code” in the Bible, only to watch their predicted last day pass by. Even today, authors make millions with their books and films of predictions about a “rapture” and end times and who will be “left behind”. The word “rapture” does not appear even once in the Bible.
All of this despite Jesus’ warning, “Beware that you are not led astray, for many will come and say … ‘the time is near.’ Do not go after them. (Luke 21:8). At his ascension, Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the times…that my Father has set.” (Acts 1:7)
This desire to “know” may be more than just curiosity. Do I insist on knowing what God doesn’t want me to know? Am I not satisfied with trusting God? If we focus on who is coming, we can be content to leave the when with God.
Prayer: Lord, in your wisdom you deny us knowledge about when Jesus will come again in glory. Help us to place our life and our trust in your loving hands,
Topics: Advent |
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