16 Days with Mark: Chapter 13

Gospel of Mark: Day 13

The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

Persecution Foretold

The Desolating Sacrilege

The Coming of the Son of Man

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

The Necessity for Watchfulness

Journaling Questions for Reflection

And Jesus began to say to them, "Take heed that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, "I am he! and they will lead many astray (Mark 13:4-5)." Who or what leads me astray? What do I look to as a savior in my life? Is it another person? A relationship? Sex? Food? Alcohol? Drugs? TV? Sleep? Social Media? Pornography? Where am I seeking "freedom"?

And when they bring you to trial and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand about 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 (Mark 13:11). How does fear keep me from sharing my faith? Or being honest with a friend who is on the wrong path? Or in the face of those who would persecute me? Who in my life persecutes me? Who in my life needs my witness? How often do I ask the Holy Spirit for help?

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (Mark 13:31). Journal about what this passage means to you. When have I experienced this in my life? How does this verse make me feel? Does it bring me comfort or anxiety?

Watch therefore--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening or at midnight, or at cockcrow or in the morning--lest he come suddenly and find you asleep (Mark 13:36). Does the Lord want me to fear or to take action? Where do I feel "asleep" in my life? What might the Lord be asking me to do in those places?

Day 13 Challenge:

Advent is a time when we plan for the Jesus' coming in Bethlehem... but also His Return. Mark 13 offers a number of ominous warnings about the great tribulation that will lead up to Jesus' Second Coming. Rather than fear, we should be prepared. What will I do with this Advent season of preparation? Today's Challenge is to come up a plan for how to enter in to the Advent Season wholeheartedly.

#16DayJourney #2018 #AlmostAdvent