I CAN remember exactly how I heard about 9-11.
I had taken our young daughter to a local playground. She was playing happily on the slide when a man came up to me and said something like, 'I guess you felt you had to get out and get some air, given what is happening in America today.'
I had no idea what he was talking about. But once he had explained, I rushed home, put on the TV news, and watched – transfixed and appalled – for hours. The terrorist attack of 11<sup>th September 2001 was something no-one had expected, for which no-one had planned, and which was seemingly beyond comprehension. Everything changed that day.
For first century Jewish people, the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70AD by Roman forces had a similar impact. It was the largest building anywhere in the city, visible for miles – the heart of life, culture and faith. And it was decimated. You can still see some of the massive building blocks lying where they were thrown over on that day.
Unlike 9/11, however, there had been a warning. Forty years earlier, as Jesus walked around the temple, his disciples commented admiringly on the temple's massive and impressive structure (Mark 13v1). But far from responding in kind, Jesus instead offers words which would have stunned his friends: 'Do you see these great buildings?' he says. 'Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down,' (v2). It was a devastating prediction.
And his words came true, of course. For unimaginable as it might have seemed when he said those things, his prophecy was fulfilled with shocking accuracy.
As we continue our fortnightly pilgrimage through Mark's gospel we come to chapter 13 – one of the most complex parts of the New Testament. Whatever else might be said about this section, however, we can take away the clear reassurance that if Jesus was able to predict with unnerving precision what would take place several decades later in relation to the temple, we can be sure that one day the New Testament promises about his return will also be fulfilled.
Christians differ over whether Mark 13 refers just to the destruction of the temple, or to Jesus' second coming as well. Either way, much of the New Testament is clear that one day he will come again (for example 1 and 2 Thessalonians). And what is also clear is that Jesus gives us pointers here in Mark about how to live as we await that day.
(1) We can be confident that history is in God's hands – even when it feels out of control (v1-31). There will be wars, rumours of wars, earthquakes and famines (v7-8). But this does not mean God has lost control of history. We are not to be thrown by these things. Jesus predicts them.
(2) We can expect pain. There will be earthquakes and famines (v7-8, 17-19). God does not promise exemption from them. Paul in Romans says 'in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us' (8v37). We might ask: in what things? 'Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger and sword,' he says. In those things we are more than conquerors – not by being taken out of them, but by persevering through them.
(3) We can expect persecution – from local government, even from religious people, from national governments (all in v9), from family (v12), and in fact from anyone (v13). We are to respond by being on our guard (v9) and keeping on preaching the gospel (v10), trusting the Holy Spirit to help us (v11).
(4) We can expect counterfeit religion. Jesus predicts false religious leaders and prophets will turn up (v21-22). It is not generally seen as acceptable today to declare that some beliefs are simply wrong. We live in a relativistic age, where tolerance and love are equated with regarding all worldviews as equally valid. But this is not the line Jesus takes.
(5) We should build our lives on Jesus' words. 'Heaven and earth will pass away,' Jesus declares, (v31), 'but my words will not pass away.' Politicians' promises will fail; Jesus' words will stand the test of time.
(6) We should be alert. This is what Jesus says in v23 – and later on he reiterates it, telling us, twice, to stay spiritually awake (v35 and v37). We are not to become sleepy disciples, but be active and vigilant in our service of Christ.
A famous Anglican prayer sums how we can respond: 'O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'
David Baker is a former daily newspaper journalist now working as an Anglican minister in Sussex, England. The Rough Guide to Discipleship is a fortnightly series. Find him on Twitter @Baker_David_A
