B-Side - Mark 13:7-10
Wars and rumors of wars are according to God's plan; they signify that history is progressing, but do not mean the end is immediately at hand.
Earthquakes, famines, and global conflicts are the "beginning of birth pains." This terminology implies that while trials will increase in both frequency and intensity, they'll ultimately result in a glorious outcome (like a birth): the return of Jesus Christ and the start of new life!
The Olivet Discourse addresses multiple timelines simultaneously: the destruction of the physical temple in 70 AD, the second coming of the Lord, and the end of all things.
The destruction of the temple in 70 AD marked the end of the old covenant order (meeting God at a physical temple) and the official transition to the new order (meeting God in the church).
v9... We're warned to be on guard, as we'll face persecution from both religious and secular authorities, including being delivered to councils, beaten in synagogues, and brought before governors and kings.
Historical and modern persecution against Christians is often framed by authorities as criminal behavior, subversion against the state, or hate speech. A maligning of their character, rather than a direct attack on faith (examples would be early Christians being accused of cannibalism due to the Eucharist; modern believers being arrested for silent prayer near clinics).
The purpose of being brought before hostile judges and authorities is to use the trial as a platform to testify of the Lord Jesus Christ!
v10... the gospel must be proclaimed to all nations before the end. This was partially fulfilled within the Roman Empire during Paul's ministry. The Bible says it will one day come to pass completely!
That's the end of today's passage... now a note on some End Times stuff, specifically the Great Tribulation. The phrase applies to the specific eschatological period in Revelation (the 70th week of Daniel), but it is also used biblically to describe historical periods of intense suffering.
Christians have endured extreme seasons of "great tribulation" throughout history, such as first-century Roman persecution, 1930s Soviet purges of the Orthodox clergy, and ongoing modern persecution in Nigeria. Lots of people throughout history have thought their time period was the start of the end times. The Bible itself recounts times of "great tribulation" in Acts 7:11 and Matthew 24:21. How do we know if our tribulation is the Great Tribulation? (We don't!)
Because the exact timing of Christ's return is unknown (God can come back whenever He wants!), the believer's primary mandate is not to calculate end-times timelines, but to:
- Remain faithful through these events!
- Preach the gospel in season and out of season!
...and stay awake!