Jesus talks about last days. Mark 13:24-37

Mark 13:24-37 Gospel Reading for Sunday 27th November 2011 (First Sunday in Advent)

This reading is set at about the same time (within days) that Jesus told the three Matthew 25 parables - as reflected on recently.

The "last days" readings tend to be based around "awful horror" warnings and stories. Readings of this nature do have a place although I believe that it is important to highlight in parallel, the fact that since we stand on the other side of the cross, we can set aside any fears about the Old Testament based judgement or wrath of God. In fact, we can celebrate, that through what Jesus did (past tense) we already are a part of God's Kingdom!

Perhaps we have tended to take these passages a little too much out of context. Questions about last days were top of the list for the people in Jesus' time, so He obliged by giving them some insights. He was also intent on warning the people that they did need to put their trust in Him. The "keep watch" imagery was most likely aimed at those people who had not yet accepted Jesus.

So what does this mean for us in these days? Well Luther had something quite profound to say when once asked what he would do if he believed the world would end tomorrow, he reportedly responded "I would plant a tree today."

So as we go and plant some trees today, let's celebrate that Jesus has come, He is here now and He will come again - at a time unknown and largely irrelevant to us. There is however a relevance in the "keep watch" warning for the 21st Century, but this is NOT focused at us as Christian people.  The warning is still highly relevant for those we are trying to reach with the good news of Jesus. There are some people asleep around us! So as we "plant our trees", we simply go on showing people Jesus by our actions and placing Him before young people and their families. We are also challenged to take every opportunity to help people wake from their sleep by experiencing God in a very personal way through His Word and to strive to do that in a highly relevant and engaging 21st century format.

Nev