Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-13

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

“If only God would give me a sign!” I hear this so often whenever it comes to those big decisions in life. We all would like to have a little direction from God every now and then. We just want to know that we’re not messing everything up and also are following God’s path. Of course, we know it’s not that easy. God doesn’t give us a neon sign telling us “This way!”. Hence, we’re left to our own reason and decisions.

No matter how much we wish God would speak from heaven to us, or show us what path we should take, there’s another issue that we must beware of lest we fall away. Just as God seeks to lead us and guide us, so too does Satan use signs and wonders to get us to fall away. We can’t count on any old sign to be God’s guiding hand.

In our Gospel lesson, the disciples are seeking a sign from Jesus as he talks about the end. They want Jesus to give them directions so they know when the end will come. “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” Mark 13:4. A sign would be wonderful, right? Give us a warning or show us what we’re supposed to do. But instead, this is what Jesus answers, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet,” Mark 13:5-7. Don’t be led astray! Thanks, Jesus. That’s so helpful. Not really.

Just consider it for a minute though. Don’t be led astray. As much as we want a sign, maybe a sign isn’t really what we’re looking for. When we beg God for a sign or are so desperate that we’re willing to listen to the first whispers of divine intervention, we’re really asking for trouble. Jesus does give us “signs” to watch out for, but these aren’t as clear as we might wish. That’s the point. We shouldn’t be watching out for signs. We should be watching for Jesus. So, don’t be led astray. We need not beg God for a sign when he already gives us Jesus.

When we consider the signs which Jesus gives us here, we realize that Jesus is describing practically everyday life. Jesus could return at any time because we already have wars and rumors of wars. There are earthquakes and famines. There are many false “Christs”. The “end of days” is here now! So, do not be led astray. Rather, we should look back to Jesus. We should see Jesus crucified for us. We should see the one and only sign that we need from God, the cross of Christ. By Jesus’ death and resurrection, we already know that our end has come. The end of our sins by God’s forgiveness. The end of our suffering through God’s salvation. The end of Satan by Christ’s resurrection. And the end of death by the resurrection of the dead and the promise of life to come! For so Jesus says, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved,” Mark 13:13. Don’t be led astray, but look to Jesus who gives us the strength to endure all things that we may see our eternal salvation!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

O Lord, by Your bountiful goodness release us from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon ourselves, that we may stand firm until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!