Wars, Earthquakes and Famines -- Oh, My!

Mark 13:7-8, 24-27

"Beware!"

Notice had been provided about false messianic prophets. Jesus now tells his followers to be ready for what could be considered much worse.

Not only would they have to be on guard against those wishing to deceive and direct others astray with misleading and empty promises; there would be gruesome suffering beyond the pale because of disasters (wars, earthquakes and famine). "Oh, my!" is right.

With this latest warning, Jesus painted a picture which was part and parcel of Jewish heritage. What he added was emphasis and heightened impact. Everything they knew would change.

People of the land were aware of the language which echoed prophetically -- in this moment and well before it.

* Ezekiel 7:25-27 -- "When anguish comes, they will seek peace, but there shall be none. Disaster comes upon disaster, rumor follows rumor; they seek a vision from the prophet, but the law perishes from the priest, and counsel from the elders. The king mourns, the prince is wrapped in despair, and the hands of the people of the land are palsied by terror."

* 4 Ezra 13:31 -- "And they shall plan to make war against one another, city against city, place against place, people against people, and kingdom against kingdom."

* 2 Baruch 27:2-13 states there will be commotions, slaughtering, death, famine, withholding of rain, earthquakes and terrors, attacks of the Shedim (evil spirits), fire, rape, violence, oppression, injustice and unchastity. And… "In the twelfth part, confusion from the mingling of all those things aforesaid."

* 2 Baruch 70:8 -- "And it shall come to pass that whosoever comes safe out of war shall die in the earthquake; And whosoever gets safe out of the earthquake shall be burned by the fire; And whosoever gets safe out of the fire shall be destroyed by famine."

The last part of verse 14 from 2 Baruch 27 is certainly potent: "Hence, those who live on earth in those days will not understand that it is the end of times."

Interesting that "it's the end of times" versus what Jesus states as a caveat -- "this is but the beginning of the birth pangs."

Did You Know…?

After Jesus was crucified, the trifecta of doom as predicted by the Christ did occur, which was experienced by many of his disciples and followers.

* War -- The First Jewish-Roman War began in 66 AD (also known as The Great Revolt).

* Earthquakes -- Around 61 AD, the tri-city area of Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis was devastated by a massive earthquake. In 79 AD, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii and Herculaneum under volcanic rock and ash.

* Famine -- As stated by Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews, in the days of Claudius Caesar, a famine oppressed the people of which many died.

However a question begs to be asked, "How long would the birth pangs last?" For the followers of Jesus (in that day), it was thought the birth pangs would begin in short order and be over sooner than later.

Norma * asked, "But what does this mean to me today? It's troubling. Do I have to personally experience this (what is intensely described in the apocalyptic texts)?" While we may not have to go through all that is mentioned in 2 Baruch 27:2-13, as Leah * stated, "Unfortunately, these things still exist. It's challenging and it's painful."

Case in point -- this recent article was published -- "Hunger consumes life in suburb of Damascus."  The devastation of wars, earthquakes and famine are still being experienced worldwide. We are an imperfect people who live on/in an imperfect world, which continues to evolve over time. We continue to evolve over time.

As Marc * shared, Jesus' underlying message to his followers was "The Sanhedrin are on a path of destruction." The religious establishment wanted to serve two masters, placing more emphasis on the Roman government as well as their own selfish desires than on God.

In essence, Jesus was saying, "For love, mercy and forgiveness to be in the hearts and minds of those in this world, you'll have heed these warnings. Be on guard, and keep your focus on God. Spread the Good News far and wide so it may be known by all."

What follows the trifecta of doom prediction? From Mark 13:24,25 -- "…after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken."

The poetic language expressed in these terms of "darkened sun and moon" are written in Amos 8:9, Joel 2:10 and 3:15, Ezekiel 32:7-8, Isaiah 13:10. Unknown [to us] may be verse 5 from The Assumption of Moses -- "The horns of the sun shall be broken and he shall be turned into darkness, and the moon shall not give her light, and be turned wholly into blood, and the circle of the stars shall be disturbed."

And then…? Something prayed for, dreamed of, believed in -- the day when Jews return to Palestine, extending from the four corners of the earth. The prophets of old shared these words as well: Isaiah 27:13 and 35:8-10; Micah 7:12; Zechariah 10:6-11.

"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing." [i] 

What a joyful moment! Imagine the intense emotion of such a return, the over-the-top celebration, the poignant rejoicing.

And this happens when? When they see "the Son of Man coming in clouds." Again these are not unfamiliar words: Psalm 68:4 and 104:3; Daniel 7:13; Isaiah 19:1. These "clouds" describe the supernatural "glory" representing God's presence.

Also, 4 Ezra 32 states "When these things come to pass and the signs occur which I showed you before, then my Son will be revealed,…."

Prophetic passages, predictions without precise order, actual events occurring which mirror prophecy. A map of eternity was not laid out by Jesus with a timetable. Yet it is a promise of a return.

Jesus promises he will come again -- use of imagery or not. It is then when peace will be established among the nations. "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." [ii]   

It is then the words from Isaiah 9:2 become even more meaningful:

"The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shined."

NEXT

How soon is "soon"? Familiar words are spoken.

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[i] Isaiah 35:10a (RSV)

[ii] Isaiah 21:4 (RSV)

* Member of Study Group

The Sky is Falling, the Sky is Falling!!!

Mark 13:3-6, 21-23

'Many will come in my name and say, "I am he!"'

Numerous are those who have claimed the mantle of the messiah. The turn of the century, in Jesus' lifetime, brought about Simon of Peraea and Athronges the shepherd boy -- each who made that assertion -- and of whom the ancient Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote.

* A former Jewish slave, Simon of Peraea led a failed rebellion against Rome. His corpse was left to rot in the countryside, with many of his followers crucified.

* Athronges was a shepherd who fought against Herod Archelaus. He, too, failed to overthrow the Romans.

"Beware that no one leads you astray."

After Jesus' death, the messianic uprisings rose to a fevered pitch. The Kingdom of God was coming!

"In 36 CE, a messiah known only as the Samaritan gathered a group of followers atop Mount Gerizim, where he claimed he would reveal sacred vessels hidden there by Moses. Pilate responded with a detachment of Roman soldiers who climbed Gerizim and cut the Samaritan's faithful multitude to pieces." [i]  

Josephus wrote about a "prophet" named Theudas who in 44 CE promised to part the Jordan river. He misled hundreds of followers with his Moses-like prediction. His battle cry was the Promised Land would be reclaimed from Rome! Cuspius Fadus, procurator of Judea, wasn't enthralled by Theudas' promises so he sent troops to squash the charlatan. Theudas' head was cut off, carried into Jerusalem, and the movement was scattered.

Another "King Messiah" promised to lead the Jews to a Promised Land without enemies. A Jewish sorcerer called the Egyptian, "gathered thousands of followers on the Mount of Olives where he vowed that, like Joshua at Jericho, he would bring the walls of Jerusalem tumbling down at his command." [ii] Imagine how that went over. The crowd was massacred.

"What will be the sign?"

How often have we asked that same question? Or something along the lines of "If I only had a sign," "If I knew when it would happen," "If I could just get a hint into the future." Usually followed later by "If I had only known!"

Specific to verse 4, Peter, James, John and Andrew were expressing concern to what Jesus had declared earlier -- not one stone of the Temple would be left upon another. For them, Jesus' prediction would be considered "the end times." They wanted to be prepared.

"The end times." Seemingly, everyone has an opinion when it will be: now… and way back when.

Did You Know…?

Among the claimants who have predicted "the end":

* St. Martin, Bishop of Tours, believed the end of the world would happen before 400 CE;

* St. Gregory, Bishop of Tours, provided an end-time window to transpire between 799 and 806 CE;

* Pope Sylvester II believed the apocalypse would occur on January 1, 1000 (the end of the Christian Millennium);

* Pope Innocent III stated the world would end in 1284 CE -- 666 years after the rise of Islam;

* Martin Luther claimed no later than 1600 CE for the end-times;

* Christopher Columbus wrote in his Book of Prophecies for the end of the world to be 1656 CE;

* Cotton Mather prophesied the end for 1697 CE; when that didn't happen, the Puritan minister gave it two more tries: 1716 CE and 1736 CE;

* Charles and John Wesley each made end-of-the-world predictions: 1794 and 1836, respectively;

* Pat Robertson announced 1982 was the date for Christ's return, then after that date passed, he revised it for April 29, 2007;

* Nostradamus predicted July 1999 as the date for the world's destruction;

* Jerry Falwell (as did Isaac Newton, Jonathan Edwards, Edgar Cayce, Ed Dobson among others) stated 2000 CE would be "the end."

Remember December 21, 2012? The New Age interpretation of the Mayan calendar claimed this date for the end of the world.

What do all of these predictions have in common -- besides being forecasts when the world was to end?

They were all wrong!

Nevertheless, prophecies of the future and of the end sells. It's a HUGE money-maker. Consider how the public gravitates toward the doomsayers. In the 1970s, Hal Lindsey's book The Late Great Planet Earth sold over 20 million copies. What about the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins -- published from 1995 to 2007? A large segment of the "buyers" were Evangelical Christians.

What do you think Jesus would have to say about this?

"I have already told you everything."

Easier said than done (and accepted). As Joe * shared with the study group, "The search for God is difficult and ongoing." We want to know more, and we want to know more now!

What happens in our anxious lives is we yearn for answers; we desire guidance. With a God who is invisible, "We look for that person in the here and now who can lead us to the Promised Land," said Patrick *.

Yet as C.J. * mentioned, "It's difficult to sort out the truth from all of the lies. How do you find the truth?"

Jesus knew human nature extremely well. With his days on earth numbered, he warned his followers to be aware -- "beware" -- of being led astray; of being deceived. There would be con artists who would put on a dazzling, exceptional show. The Good News could be easily derailed because of the glitz and glamour of empty, false promises.

That was then but what about now? How simple is it to be distracted -- thinking three steps ahead, worrying about tomorrow or months/years in advance? Do we put our faith in others who aspire to lead us astray?

Instead of placing an inordinate amount of energy on what is to come, what if we shifted our efforts to live more in the present? To be in the moment? To put our trust and faith in the living God?

Our lives here on earth are fleeting (time-wise). Let's live into the Good News right now instead of thinking how wonderful it will be in Heaven and wishing that day would soon arrive.

But as Norma * stated, "Right now is the hard part."

NEXT

The trifecta of "doom," the map of eternity

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[i] Zealot by Reza Aslan -- p. 49

[ii] Zealot by Aslan -- p 53

* Member of the study group

I Never Promised You a "Thornless" Rose Garden

Mark 13:9-13

"Here's a serious warning. If you think life is challenging at this moment, just wait. This is a cake-walk compared to what's about to happen. It's going to get ugly in ways you can't begin to imagine: hurtful accusations, appalling betrayals, unjust trials, horrific beatings, even heinous death."

How's that for a rousing speech! Think those piercing words of warning would entice team members to stay loyal and steadfast to the end? One thing for sure… everyone in the circle knows exactly what to expect. The punches have not been held back. No one can say, "You never said…"

So it is with these five verses of persecution foretold by Jesus. "The Way" won't be easy.

"As for yourselves,…" Jesus privately addressed the four apostles who had approached him: Peter, James and John (brothers), and Andrew. Yet Jesus' warning was for all who followed him.

"And you will be hated by all because of my name."

In those times in which they lived, Jesus was being very specific. Those with earthly power and authority would wish grave harm to Jesus and his followers. It was a deep-seeded, cruel hate. To believe in Jesus would take courage, faith, perseverance,… and then some!

Jesus goes further with pointed statements about Jewish and Roman persecution.

"They will hand you over to councils and you will be beaten in synagogues." The Greek word for "councils" is "sanhedrins." "These were local, Jewish courts attached to the synagogues which tried charges of heresy and normal infractions of the law. …These councils were like smaller versions of the great Sanhedrin that convened in Jerusalem." [i] The great Sanhedrin was presided over by the High-Priest and was the Supreme Court of Israel.

Did You Know…?

In the synagogues, followers of Jesus would be publicly scourged. How bad could it be? "These local councils usually administered 39 stripes so as to not violate Deuteronomy 25:2-3. The recipient of the punishment was stripped bare to the waist. He received 13 lashings to his chest and 26 to his back." [ii]

"You will stand before governors and kings because of me." Before the Roman courts, those who spread the Good News would be tried for their beliefs and teachings.

Within Jesus' sharing with the four men, James would be the first apostle to die -- Acts 12:1-2. However what better example of someone who once persecuted the followers of Jesus? Saul who later converted and was renamed Paul. Even he wasn't impervious from persecution, as revealed in Acts 24, 25 and 26.

"And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations."  Scholars have considered verse 10 as being inserted by the author. [iii] If the verse were actually lifted from the text, the flow and meaning of the Jesus' words wouldn't be slowed. Nonetheless what likely happened was Mark (the writer) wanted the gospel to be heard and accepted by the Romans, thereby its inclusion. Also, the scripture enhanced what Jesus stated "as a testimony to them" in that the Good News was for all people.

Verse 11 seems as applicable then as it does now. It's almost cliché that it somewhat mirrors "Let go and let God." Still, isn't it true? How often do we worry so much, which leads to crippling anxiety and stress, which clouds our hearts and minds? What does worrying do for us? Jesus' words are both calming and stress-relieving. "Whatever trial you face, the Holy Spirit will be there and work through you. And what occurs will touch lives in amazing ways."

Jesus then refers to an Old Testament scripture which would be familiar to those listening -- Micah 7:6 -- reminding his followers that personal loyalties would be destroyed. "In the Roman empire, one of the curses was the informer (delator). There were those who, in their attempts to curry favor with the authorities, would not hesitate to betray their own kith and kin." [iv]

In whom do you trust? It was another reminder that the ministry of Good News required loving Christ even more than one's father or mother or siblings or offspring.

And with verse 12, perseverance to the end ultimately wins the day. For those who enjoy the sport of running whether professionally, as a weekend warrior or leisurely, the words spoken by Jesus remind me of the story about the tortoise and hare.

The hare rushed here and there like it was a sprint; however, it was a long journey with the hare eventually worn out and unable to compete or complete the race. As for the tortoise, it was a steady pace from beginning to end -- like a marathon -- and the finish line was reached with the medal placed around his neck.

"Will be saved" though can be easily misconstrued and interpreted as only those individuals who endure to the end will be in heaven with Jesus. That's not what was meant by the writer.

Consider these words instead from Romans 5:3-5: "…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."

Among the thoughts shared by the study group regarding these five verses:

"It's a harsh world we live in. Kindness seems like weakness; yet, you have to interact with the world. That's what we're called to do." -- Joe *

"Persecution is part of the human condition. It's not just the Christian condition. This can be understood by everyone." -- Leah *

"The world hasn't changed that much in 2,000 years. Free will exists. When going through the fire, what decision will you make?" -- Marc *

Courage, faith and perseverance are as relevant today as they were in the times of Jesus. They weren't promised a thornless rose garden then,… nor have we been promised one now. It is imperative though to share our "garden" experience with God through Jesus Christ. The love poured into our own hearts which is then put into action through our hands and feet, changes and rebuilds the lives of others in this hurting world.

NEXT

End times!!!  

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[i] MacArthur Study Bible -- p. 1491

[ii] MacArthur Study Bible -- p. 1491

[iii] Jewish Annotated New Testament -- p. 87

[iv] The Gospel of Mark, Barclay -- pp. 312-313

The Walls Come Tumbling Down

Mark 13:1-2

Mark 13:14-20

Referred to as the Markan Apocalypse or the Olivet Discourse, Chapter 13 in MARK is considered one of the most Jewish chapters in the New Testament. Throughout its writing, the language and imagery of the Old Testament with Jewish history and ideas, as well as "the day of the Lord," were incorporated.

Five different stands were pointed out by Dr. William Barclay in this chapter:

1) Prophecies of the destruction of Jerusalem;

2) Warnings of persecution to come;

3) Warnings of the dangers of the last days;

4) Warnings of the Second Coming;

5) Warnings of the necessity to be on the watch. [i]

The prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction was combined in Mark 13:1-2 and 14-20. But first, some historical perspective to enhance understanding.

Far back into time, the great King Solomon built the First Temple which was described as grand and magnificent. However in 597 BCE, the king of Babylon -- Nebuchadnezzar -- desecrated the temple (allowed looting to occur), and eventually, Judean captives were taken to Babylon --2 Chronicles 36. 

In 586 BCE, the Babylonians destroyed this vital place of worship (1 Kings 6-7). 70 years later, under Z'rubavel, the Second Temple was built. Although it couldn't compare to the original structure, the desecration of this sacred site didn't end.

"Abomination of desolation," derived from Daniel 9:27, 11:30-31 and 12:11, was a reference to Antiochus IV ("Epiphanes") who "conquered Jerusalem in 167 BCE and erected an altar to Zeus in the Temple." [ii] The Jews were ordered to worship this statue. And if that wasn't defiling enough, the King of Syria offered swine's flesh on the great altar and set up public brothels in the sacred courts. [iii]

Time-warp to 20 BCE, when King Herod the Great began to reconstruct and expand the temple, which had stood for nearly 500 years. The self-titled "King of the Jews" -- himself a Jew (although a convert) -- had a two-fold plan in this work: impress Rome; please the Jews. Both were the mark of desperation. Sadly, in Herod's self-absorbed world, his plans didn't include honoring God.

This king desired admiration, respect and acceptance from men. Little did Herod know what he started would take 46 years to complete (John 2:20), well after his death, and then it would be utterly destroyed.

Nonetheless, what Herod decided to build was certainly ambitious. At the highest point in Jerusalem -- the top of Mount Moriah, "a kind of vast platform was formed by raising up walls of massive masonry and enclosing the whole area. On these walls a platform was laid, strengthened by piers which distributed the weight of the superstructure." [iv]

In the temple complex, some of these stones measured 40x12x12 feet. Walk that off to see the sheer magnitude and size of the blocks of stone! Along the eastern wall of the large main structure, the buildings were covered with gold plates that reflected the morning sun. This would be visible for miles away. And the parts not adorned with gold ornamentation were made of gleaming white marble.[v]  Imagine the awe felt by those journeying to Jerusalem and to see this on their path. It had to be breathtaking!

Is it any wonder then one of the disciples turned to Jesus and remarked on the size of the temple? In essence, this disciple (as did others) admired Herod's achievement.

Jesus' reply is stunning. "You're impressed by something that seems infallible? I won't mince words. This whole temple will end up in a heap of rubble."

Say what?!? Come again? "Not one stone [of the temple] will be left here upon another."

Note Jesus and his disciple had their brief yet jaw-dropping conversation as they left the temple. Were they were alone? Given that verse 3 mentions four disciples spoke with Jesus "privately," it would seem logical other persons were around them in verses 1 and 2. Jesus did have quite a following.

Why this "private" versus "public" question? Because if people were within earshot of Jesus, his words could be considered by some as a public threat -- a chargeable offense.

Also, the destruction of the Temple was unfathomable. For something like this to happen would be perceived as the end to Jews (and later to Jewish Christians). No recovery could ever occur from such a horrific incident.

Jesus doesn't stop there. "Be ready to run for it when you see the monster of desecration set up where it should never be." [vi] Another interpretation of the underlined words is "standing where he should not." Jesus gives clear warning -- "When this monster arrives, who will stand in the Holy of Holies, leave right away. Forget your clothes, leave your material possessions, do not hesitate for one moment. High-tail it for the hills!"

What did the people do though in 70 AD when the Roman general Titus arrived in Jerusalem with his army? Almost everyone did the exact opposite, as they believed being within the city's walls would protect them.

After blocking all ways to exit Jerusalem, Titus patiently waited and slowly starved the city. In their hunger and weakness, people turned upon one another. Then Titus struck harshly, as "large wooden scaffolds were built around the walls of the temple buildings, piled high with wood and other flammable items, and set ablaze. The heat from the fires was so intense that the stones crumbled. The rubble was then sifted to retrieve the melted gold." [vii]

97,000 were taken captive and 1,100,000 perished by slow starvation and the sword. [viii]

The monster Titus with his Roman army ransacked Jerusalem, massacred over a million Jews and demolished what had been considered indestructible -- the Temple.

Did You Know…?

'Excavations made after the Six-Day War revealed enormous stones from the Western Wall of the Temple Court (of which the still-standing "Wailing Wall" is part) lying helter-skelter, not one left on another.' [ix]

While a portion of the western side of the retaining wall was left undisturbed under the temple mount, the stones of the temple edifice ended up as rubble.

The walls had come tumbling down!

NEXT

Persecution; "suffering produces endurance,…"

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[i] The Gospel of Mark, Barclay -- pp. 306-307

[ii] Jewish New Testament Commentary -- p. 74

[iii] The Gospel of Mark, Barclay -- p. 310

[iv] The Gospel of Mark, Barclay -- p. 308

[v] MacArthur Study Bible -- p. 1438

[vi] The Message -- Mark 13:14

[vii] MacArthur Study Bible -- p. 1438

[viii] The Gospel of Mark -- p. 310

[ix] Jewish New Testament Commentary -- p. 98