“Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am the one!’ and
they will lead many astray,” according to Mark 13. Daniel 12 promises, however,
that “those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky…”
In these texts, an apocalypse is given shape, and we are
left hungering for the antidote, the savior, the way out. Where is it? Perhaps
we are to seriously contend with the admonition in the Epistle “to provoke one
another to love and good deeds…” as a response to fear and uncertainty, a means
for keeping grasp on hope itself.
Mark 13:1-8
When we are stressed and scared,
whether as a nation, as a religion or as individuals, we are especially
vulnerable to those who claim they can rescue us from our distress. That's what
allows those like Adolf Hitler, Jim Jones, and David Koresh to arise.
Jesus tells us to not be fooled. .
. . Jesus shows us that a truly holy leader is one who loves all, includes all
and keeps no secrets. All things can be critiqued and questioned. All are free
to make up their own minds and to come and go as they see fit. The welfare of
those who are served is always placed above the needs of the leader.
In contrast, false prophets create
an “us and them” mentality. They demonize the enemy to make them seem to be
less than human; they create “in” groups who have secrets which give them power
over others; they do not allow critique or criticism; they limit the freedom of
followers to leave without risk of harm. False prophets lure the young,
vulnerable, the stressed; they intend them harm under the guise of doing good.
That is never what Jesus is about. He always builds up and looks out for the
other's best welfare, and never looks to serve his own interests.
. . . When we can grasp and hold on
to the truth that we are loved and forgiven, then we have nothing to lose. We
can afford to wait out the suffering and the uncertainty because God's love for
us will be the same at the end of the tribulation as it is now. – Lisa Kraske
Cressman
Daniel 12:1-3
The book of Daniel is a classic
apocalyptic document. . . Daniel 12 announces the triumph of God and the
resurrection of the dead. Although those who remain faithful to the covenant
will suffer terribly under Antiochus IV (the “king of the north” ), his defeat
is certain (11:45). Daniel is reassured that God's justice will prevail.
Michael, the angelic protector of Israel (later promoted to the status of
archangel) will defend the faithful. God will raise the dead and render justice
to the righteous and the wicked. Daniel is given, but does not understand, a
timetable for these events. He is also assured that his future is with the
righteous. – Aaron Couch
Hebrews 10:11-25
The force of Hebrews' rhetoric is
experienced powerfully in this portion of chapter 10. Verses 11–18 sum up the
final section of exposition. Verses 19–25 are the beginning of the final
section of exhortation. The reader is reminded again that Christ's sacrifice is
eternally effective, in contrast to sacrifices offered in the temple. Recalling
Jeremiah 31:33, Christ's offering of himself is revealed as God's “new
covenant” and the triumph of grace over human sin. Because of Christ's great
gift, the reader is then called upon to respond with whole-hearted devotion to
God and with renewed commitment to the community of faith. – Aaron Couch
Lisa Kraske
Cressman, an Episcopal priest, teaches
at TEC’s Seminary of the Southwest and serves as a spiritual director and retreat
leader, having served congregations in Minnesota and Indiana.
Aaron Couch is
a co-pastor of First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon.
Homily Service 39, no. 12 (2006): 35-45.
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