Day 184 – July 3, 2021
Scriptures: 2 Kings 16, Mark 14, Psalm 88 In Kings, we see the fall of the northern kingdom. At least, we get the early stages of its inevitable downfall. Assyria is betrothed, and it will ransack and destroy Israel. Today’s reading is filled with betrayal. Mark 14 is marked by pledges of loyalty and love, falling asleep and denials. Even Psalm 88 gets in on the action, “Death surrounds me.” Death, destruction, betrayal. But there is one who stands true and righteous. There is one who remains faithful, despite enemies, friends and family betraying. There is one who is innocent who will be condemned. Despite those closest to him, turning from him; Jesus never turns away from us. He is faithful. Death will surround him, and he will live. Jordan
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Day 183 – July 2, 2021
Scriptures: 2 Kings 15, Mark 13 Mark 13 is a passage that offers a lot more questions than it does answers. Chief amon them is, “what in the world is Jesus talking about?” I will side with NT Wright, my favorite Bible Scholar, who will tell you that this passage is about what happens in AD 70, and the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. The clues are clear here in verse 3, “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple…” They are looking at the temple, and Jesus explains what’s about to happen. Ever stone will be overturned. The other clear clue is that Jesus has yet to come back, yet he says this will be fulfilled within the generation. AD 70 would have been within that generation, a mere 40 years later. Some of them would have witnessed it, firsthand. And the disarray and dismay that Jesus shares comes true. But there does appear to another event articulated. The return of the Son of Man. For that, we look onward with anticipation. We look to Christ and his coming and setting the world right. Every stone will be turned over, and justice will reign. God’s purposes will be done, here on earth, as it is in heaven. Let us look with anticipation for his return and love our neighbor in the present. Jordan |
AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
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