Truth Concealed

When?

(Mark 13:3-37, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 2, 2020)

When will Christ return? Some people claim to know. Should we be cautious about believing them? What if we miss the bigger point in our search for hidden truth? Warning label: Do not over-interpret passages where God is concealing the unknown.

Their Question and His Answer—Part 1:Do not be alarmed.

[3] And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, [4] “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” [5] And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. [6] Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. [7] And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. [8] For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Part 2: Be on your guard and bear witness to the gospel of Jesus through the worst provocations.

[9] “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. [10] And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. [11] And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. [12] And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. [13] And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

[14] “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. [15] Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, [16] and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. [17] And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! [18] Pray that it may not happen in winter. [19] For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. [20] And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. [21] And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. [22] For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. [23] But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

[24] “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, [25] and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. [26] And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. [27] And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

[28] “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. [29] So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. [30] Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. [31] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Part 3: I am not telling you when... Stay awake.

[32] “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. [33] Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. [34] It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. [35] Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—[36] lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. [37] And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Do not be alarmed, and see that no one leads you astray. Many...

Be on your guard and bear witness to the gospel of Jesus through the worst provocations: Important in many ages – China 1952, Exeter Hospital last Tuesday

You do not know when the time will come. But what do you know? Jesus. Gospel. Glory (v. 26).

The abomination of desolation:

Very challenging and hard to interpret apocalyptic image used in Daniel 9, 11, and 12

Consider that God not only reveals, but also conceals...

Abomination: a thing or action that is vile, vicious or terrible

Abomination in the Bible: things/actions deeply offensive to God or opposing God

Desolation: the condition of a place that is empty, with no living/pleasant things

Desolation in the Bible: Ultimately it is the sovereign God who makes desolate

Abomination of desolation: God's ultimate end of the road against all that opposes him

This temporary creation is certainly heading toward an end that will also be a new start.

1. An abomination in the OT temple, 2. An abomination in Mark's gospel, 3. And beyond

THE POINT: Stay awake to Jesus, his gospel, and his glory now.

Applying these verses:

1. Do not be skeptical about God fulfilling his own glorious plans.

2 Peter 3:3–7 [3] knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. [4] They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” [5] For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, [6] and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. [7] But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

2 Peter 3:13 According to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

2. Do not believe anyone who knows too much about the timing of Christ's return.

Y2K

Millerites in the 1840s

Exeter area – The Great Disappointment

2 Peter 3:8–10 [8] But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come like a thief...

3. There is no shame in not knowing what Jesus did not know. We need to know him.

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 125 – Those who trust in the Lord...

New Testament Reading—Romans 16:1-16 – All the churches of Christ greet you!