Mark 13:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Mark 13:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 3When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,
Verse 4"Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?"
Verse 5Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray.
Verse 6Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray.
Verse 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.
Verse 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.
Devotion
One of the congregations I serve has a great heritage. It is the oldest church in the county, “mother” to several others. There have been modifications over the years, but the sanctuary has had the same basic look for 120 years. The building is not handicap-accessible; yet even in terrible weather, older members drive out here and struggle up the steps to worship in this place. This is where life-long friends and relatives gather. This is their church.
But if this building were gone, many would go elsewhere – to a church closer to home and designed to meet their needs. We know the church is not the building. In John 4, Jesus tells the woman at the well, “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” Wherever two or three are gathered in his name, there he is, right in the midst, wherever that may be.
Prayer
Lord, while we are easily impressed by the things of this world and look for security in solid structures, help us to recognize your presence in our midst wherever we gather in your name. Amen.