Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - PROMISES

PROMISES

In Scripture there are many prophecies, plans, and promises that are laid out for us to examine and learn about. Many of these are of a positive nature and reveal what lies ahead for those who follow Christ. In a similar way, the not so pleasant path for those who refuse to accept the gift of salvation offered by Jesus is also outlined. But even believers are not always promised good times all the time. In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus makes three promises that should be sobering for everyone.

First, He said many would be deceived. It is not just enough to believe, but one must be sure of the one in whom he believes. Jesus said:

…many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and deceive many. 

(Mark 13:6)

If the deceivers are not saying directly that they are He, then they may be promoting another deity as being equal to, or more complete than, Christ. But do not be mistaken or deceived for the Son is still greater than darkness. And on the positive side, He also said that His…

 

…gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 

(Mark 13:10)

Quite a statement considering most people at that time never ventured further than 100 to 200 miles from their place of birth. To say that the gospel would be preached throughout the world considering this was quite a prophecy.

Second, He warned about being persecuted and hated, and of family problems that will develop as a result of following Christ. And all of this has been evident over the years. It’s a bit disconcerting to realize that such difficulties will befall someone who puts his faith in one who proclaims love and peace. But Jesus clearly states that:

…they [will] arrest you and deliver you up… 

…brother will betray brother to death… 

And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 

(Mark 13:11,12,13)

Not very pleasant prospects for one who follows Christ. But at the same time, Jesus also said that when such happens…

…do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. 

But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; 

for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

(Mark 13:11)

So, we will be given the words we need, and the assurance we require, when such events develop.

Finally, Jesus promised that before His return, there would be:

…tribulation, such as has not been seen since the beginning of the creation 

which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. 

(Mark 13:19)

A time of great duress and distress and to the extreme that, unless the Lord intervenes:

…no flesh would be saved… 

(Mark 13:20)

It should be a sobering thought for everyone when consideration is given to what eventually lies ahead of us. Solomon said:

But if a man lives many years…

…let him remember the days of darkness,

For they will be many.

All that is coming is vanity. 

(Ecclesiastes 11:8)

The future can look very bleak but again Christ has shown us an out, for He also said:

…[He would] gather together His elect from the four winds, 

from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

(Mark 13:27)

[and] for the elect’s sake…He shortened the days. 

(Mark 13:20)

To be a follower of Christ is to be one of the elect, and therefore, one for whom the promises given above have been overridden by the grace of God. Knowing that one has escaped the wrath that is to come because of your relationship with Jesus is certainly something to seriously think about.