Read: Mark 13-14
Today’s reading is Mark 13 and 14, and these chapters hold so much weight because we see prophecy, fulfillment, warning, and love all coming together. Jesus speaks about what is coming, not only His suffering and death that are near, but also the future day when He will return again. Not His resurrection, but His second coming when He comes in glory and gathers His people home. The Word of God is living and active, and when God speaks, His words carry weight.
In Mark 13, Jesus describes a coming shaking of all things.
“But in those days, following that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” -Mark 13:24–26
This echoes what was spoken long before in the prophets. God had already declared that the day of the Lord would come, that evil would be judged, and that what is temporary would be shaken. Yet He also promised something better.
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered…” -Isaiah 65:17
So much of the world reads these truths and still refuses to change. People build their lives on things that cannot last, but Scripture reminds us that only what is rooted in holiness and in God will remain. Peter later writes:
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief… Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.” -2 Peter 3:10–11
For believers, like you and I, this should not create panic but urgency. If the world can be shaken, then we should cling to the One who cannot be shaken, our Rock.
“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” -Psalm 62:6
In Mark 14, the focus shifts to the final hours before the crucifixion. Jesus knows exactly what is ahead. He knows the suffering, betrayal, and mockery that are coming, and yet He still walks forward in obedience. That is love. Sometimes love means doing hard things for the ones that we love. Jesus did this for the good of others, for the good of each one of us. No love is greater than what Jesus was about to do for us.
We also see the weakness of man through Peter. We are weak and sinful people. He confidently says that he will never deny Jesus, yet when pressure comes, fear takes over and he denies Him three times. It happened quickly, without realizing at first. Sometimes we find ourselves sinning in the same way. Peter was upset with himself for what he had done.
“Immediately the rooster crowed the second time … Then Peter remembered … And he broke down and wept.” -Mark 14:72
That is such a picture of us. We think we are stronger than we are, yet sin can happen fast. Fear can happen fast. Failure can happen fast. Thankfully, grace comes faster and God is greater. Jesus knew Peter would fail and yet He still loved him. God knows our weaknesses and faults and still offers forgiveness and love. That is something that we can cling to as we are getting ready for Jesus’ return.
Discussion Question
- Are you living ready for the return of Christ?
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A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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