A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church on Sunday, November 16, 2003, Trinity XXII. Please read St. Mark 13:3-13.

The lesson from Mark's Gospel is taken from a discourse given by Jesus that is often referred to by biblical scholars as the “Olivet Discourse.” Here Jesus answers the disciples’ question about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the things pertaining to his second coming at the end of the age. Although much of what Jesus is speaking about was fulfilled when a Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD, some of what he says awaits fulfillment at a future time. As is the case with most discussions about Bible prophecy, scholars debate the meaning of various aspects of this discourse and the nature of its anticipated fulfillment. Time does not permit a detailed study of these questions, so we must focus on the main point of Jesus’ words, which seems to be the most productive enterprise anyway.

Rather than trying to satisfy the disciples’ sense of curiosity about the future, Jesus tells them to take care of their own spiritual well being. “But watch out for yourselves,” he says is verse nine, “for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. And you will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.” Similarly, he says in verse thirteen, “And you will be hated by all men for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Of prime importance to Jesus is the endurance and faithfulness of his disciples. They are not to be concerned about the exact moment of any future event, instead they are to “watch out for themselves” that they are living a life pleasing to God as his faithful witnesses.

Too often, Christians of our own day become preoccupied with questions of Bible prophecy and “end times” discussions. The fascination with this subject borders on being no better than seeking out fortunetellers or those who practice divination of some sort. God’s purpose in telling us about anything he will do in the future is to encourage us to live correctly in the present time and not worry about the future. We are to take heed to ourselves and ask God to give us the daily grace that we need in order to endure to the end and obtain the promised salvation that comes through Jesus Christ.
Amen.