 March 17, 1999
LIFE & WORK:
In a world of Y2K unrest,
focus on Prince of Peace
___ Mark 13:5-13,35-37
___By Doug Riggs
___Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Bedford
___Confusion, tension and apprehension mount daily as the new millennium approaches (technically in 2001). Some expect Jesus' Second Coming to coincide with the momentous changing of the calendar. Others anticipate chaotic world conditions caused by the infamous Y2K problem. They are storing up food and money (or gold), buying alternate power supplies and even moving out of metropolitan areas. How should the believer respond to such turmoil?
___Perception is not reality. So far, all who have predicted a specific date for Jesus' Second Coming have been wrong. Jesus had no knowledge of the time of his return,  and we don't either. Our admonition is to be ready at all times. In fact, God's timetable preceded a human calendar, and his sovereign control predated the invention of the microchip. Jesus calls us to stay focused in an unsettled world.
___ Don't be fooled by unsettling events (Mark 13:5-8). Jesus wanted his disciples to remain faithful and obedient in the midst of upheaval. Therefore, he warned us about false prophets (vv. 5-6) and the interpretation of disturbing events (vv. 7-8). Difficult times will occur in all generations, but these difficulties do not signal the end of time. In fact, the specific event that precipitated this discourse (vv. 1-4, the destruction of the temple) took place in AD 70. Jesus warned against deception in that generation as well as all subsequent ones so that believers would remain focused on discipleship.
___ Depend on the Holy Spirit (Mark 13:9-11). Persecu-tion gives opportunity for proclamation. Believers in other nations have witnessed this truth firsthand for centuries.
___However, the Christian consensus is lower in our own nation today than ever before. Other forms of "spirituality" have risen to popular favor. As a result, Christians will suffer more persecution and be forced to defend the faith more than in the past. Persecution may not come in the form of flogging (v. 9) or trial before high government officials (v. 10), but our approach must take on a similar quality. We must remain focused on God's Spirit for the words we use in proclamation (v. 11).
___ Live in light of the Lord's promise (Mark 13:12-13). Persecution hurts most when done by those closest to us. An enemy surprises no one when they attack. On the other hand, when a friend, co-worker or family member takes on the role of persecutor, we can be shaken to the core. Jesus revealed that the closest of family members will destroy one another during tribulation (v. 12). The appropriate response for the believer is to persevere to the end (v. 13). "Saved" (v. 13) may mean either vindication or final salvation. The security of the believer is not under question. Rather, Jesus admonished us to keep our focus on the end result.
___ Stay alert (Mark 13:35-37). We know so few details about the timing of our Lord's return. In fact, knowing "when" is not our job. Our commission is to be ready, live with anticipation and serve faithfully. God will take care of the rest.
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