PrayerBits for Sunday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Sunday

Scripture lesson: Mark 13:24-37 De-Creation

Time to reflect: This is another of the passages that indicate that we cannot predict when then end of time will occur and that we need to be ready any time. Verses 24-27 are standard Biblical images that refer to God's dismantling of the universe at the end of time. Even though our understanding of how the universe is constructed, (Although we no longer believe that the stars are things hung from the dome above the earth) we understand that this is referring to the destruction of the universe. We could rewrite this to reflect our understanding of the universe.

Moving through the day: We are not called on to speculate too much about the end time. But we can pray that when the time comes we are ready.

Scripture:

?But in those days, 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. 

 

Then they will see ?the Son of Man coming in clouds? with great power and glory. 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. ?From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

?But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake?for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.?