Today’s Scripture

Psalm 16         Daniel 12:1-3             Hebrews 12:26-29      Mark 13:1-13

 

            This week Immanuel saw new concrete work done at the main entrance.  Some of the old concrete had to be removed.  As solid as this has remained over 49 ½ years, it all disappeared within a short amount of time.  The reason for the new concrete is for access to our building.  50 years ago a five-inch step was of no concern.  Today, with walkers and wheel chairs and electronic devices, that five-inch step prohibited access from the front of the church.  The new stoop now grants access to God’s graces here to the most infirm.  What seemed so good and long-lasting is quickly done away with yet replaced with something of greater value.

 

            How many things that seem so permanent change in our community, in this world, in our lives?  Daily we see buildings and sections torn down and renovated into developments that boggle one’s imagination. 

 

            In this world’s more recent experiences the attacks of 9/11 destroyed a world nerve center of financial and trade.  They permeated the walls of the symbol of the most powerful defense and attack forces of this earth, the Pentagon.  This week floods in the northwest carried away entire homes with the other items in the way of the surging waters.  Simple fire destroys entire communities.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, tsunami’s, single gun shots, a careless driving episode, all sweep away not just items of this earth, but what one often thinks is indestructible, our fragile human lives.

 

            In today’s Gospel, the disciples marveled at the wonders of Herod’s temple in Jerusalem.  The stones they commented about were up to thirty-seven feet long, eighteen feet wide by twelve feet high.  That would be the width of the chancel area, the depth from the communion rail step to the furthest point behind the altar, and two and one-half feet higher than the top of the cove.  And it was all marble!!!

 

            Then Jesus predicted something that would happen during the lifetime of many people standing there, that not one of these stones would be left atop another.  This would be the third temple destroyed beginning with Solomon’s at the hands of the Babylonians, the second temple built in 535, and now this structure that took over 100 years to complete.  Jesus tells the disciples, and all of us that this is nothing compared to what will eventually happen with all creation at the last day.

 

            That is the purpose of all of today’s readings, to tell us what will happen on that last day.  Daniel prophecies the end of time to be a “…time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.”  Jesus repeats this prediction in Matthew 24.  Imagine God’s almighty power forming the entire earth in one day, the movement and shifting of earth and water to make mountains and canyons and plains that, according to our scientific knowledge, would take millions of years to develop if it were not for God’s almightiness.  That power that created all things in moment will also destroy all of creation in just as quick a moment.

 

            Then what we await in faith will happen.  All will be raised from the dust of the earth.  Judgment will occur as some definitely receive everlasting life and some sent to everlasting contempt.  There is no parole.  There is no recount at the ballot box.  As with the rich man and Lazarus, there is no second chance and there is not even the slightest relief to those receiving judgment.

 

            The writer to the Hebrews expands this that not only the earth but will include everything throughout all of the heavens.  Imagine not just the earth being completely destroyed in one horrific moment, but as far as the expanse of all creation, the extent of the heavenly bodies being destroyed as well.  It is far beyond what any one can imagine. 

 

            But what cannot be shaken will remain.  On the Mount of Olives across from this magnificent temple sits a simple human being, Jesus.  He is the one who makes all destructible things new, indestructible.  Jesus cannot be shaken.  Heaven cannot and will not be shaken.  That is a believer’s confidence and hope at the end of one’s life and at the end of earthly time.  God and all of his promises will not be moved one bit.  Until then as Jesus tells in this passage, we will continue to experience the violent effects in nature.  We will continue to experience the wars that rage from day to day.  Over the past 300 years Europe alone has experienced over 300 wars recorded in the annals of history.  In our time this will never end, and no single war or accumulation of acts of nature and man will destroy this earth.  Only God will do that.

 

            Note what the disciples are doing in this conversation with Jesus.  They are connecting human and day-to-day earthly events with the end of the world.  Isn’t that like our thinking today?  We look at this or that and think it signifies the end.  No, in this sinful world God allows these things to occur so to give all people time to repent, to turn back to him.  It is the continuance of these events that will bring people, sinful people like you and I, to look to God who does have power over all of these things, that he will deliver those who trust his saving grace in Jesus from these and the most horrific event, the destruction of all creation.

 

            Jesus tells us also that believers will suffer because of him.  From the prophecy of Anna in the temple to the beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount to the writings of the apostles, we are reminded that Jesus is the stumbling block for many.  It is because he is the threat to all of our sinful thoughts and deeds that many turn against him, and turn against those who love him.  “All men will hate you because of me…” Jesus tells us.  And then the most comforting words of Gospel, “…but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” 

 

            Yes, it is by faith in Christ Jesus for forgiveness of sins, and that he will come again to take you to where he has prepared a place for you in his father’s indestructible house, that evil and wickedness will be no more, that sorrow and anger will be no more, that trial and temptation will be no more, that only the pure and holy love of God will prevail forevermore, that you will be saved.

 

            Daniel, again, “Those who are wise (i.e. faith in Christ) will shine like the brightness of the heavens.”   From Hebrews, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”  We love god because he loves us.  We then hold him in reverence and fear due to his love and his almighty power both, because his almighty power that can cause all things will deliver believers from all things including earth. 

 

            And Jesus’ promise that you will be saved ia repeated in Revelation 2, “Be faithful even to the point of death and you will receive the crown of life.”    Jesus promises in Mark’s Gospel today, “He who stands firm to the end will be saved.”  Psalm 16, “I have set the Lord always before me.  Because he is my right hand I will not be shaken.” 

 

            Note that none of these promises contain the word, “if.”  They do not continue the words “maybe,” or “may.”  There is no doubt as Jesus keeps saying, “will.”  You have that promise, firm to the end, no matter how fragile and shifting and changing these shadows on earth appear, God is one God, now and forever.  God will make you holy and pure and eternal with him in heaven again.  God has complete power over all creation.  God has complete power over death and holds your eternal life for you in his loving hands.  And in great joy knowing and trusting this, all of God’s people can say, “Amen.”