The Sign - Mark 13

What will be the sign

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Sermon based upon Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10, 1 Samuel 2: 1-10

Opening prayer

Throughout our lives we have all kinds of signs around us tell us where we are, where we can go, what we can buy, what we can do.  I thought it just a bit relieving to see a public health agency have fun with 6-feet-apart into as one-moose-apart.  

We have apps that give us signs - I have a watch that tells me when to breathe and stand like somehow I forgot.  We have signs that say eat here, get your shot there, save money, or whatever. In our lives, we have signs that offer paths through the stars like horoscopes.  Will this help today?  Some do / some don’t. 

What signs has Mark revealed to you this year? Or are we stuck on the question, then rationalize which sign do we heed or ignore. Which is convenient for us to follow (or sometimes follow.) Consider how people approach stop signs at intersections. Some stop, some stop if there is traffic, some do a slow roll through, and some are like “what sign?” There are some that don’t think signs (or rules) apply to them.

Jesus describes ominous destruction of the temple. The disciples ask how will we tell when this will happen: a sign.  Jesus cautions to “be wary that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say ‘I am he’ and they will be lead astray.” There will be all kinds of calamities. These are just the beginnings.  Ouch. 

Mark is not a Gospel of comfort and balance, because Mark acknowledges our chaotic world - and there are possibilities. 

What are we to do?  It is up to us to see through the distractions and chaos.  Jesus has an answer if we read more in Mark 13- a theme appears. In the midsts of trial, do not worry for what you will say because the Holy Spirit will guide your speech. Jesus then says, “…keep awake - for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, …or at dawn, …What I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Instead of looking for signs, Jesus wants us to wake up: as in, live and speak the truth of God:  not just for ourselves but for the sake of all God’s children.

From the beginning of Mark, Jesus has been proclaiming the kingdom of God is here. Jesus rejects privilege and honors.  Jesus tells of impending death and pains. Jesus warns of hypocrites: those who talk God’s words wearing fabulous robes while ignoring the poor.

Life of discipleship looks a lot more like the road to the cross.  Discipleship is not about power, privilege and monetary wealth as these are measures of our corrupt society. Our structures, there are winners and losers (aka division). Let’s see how many we can leave behind.  Instead, bear witness to God’s love; (read Hebrews 10) - encourage and provoke each other to love.

Jesus is clear. We are to be like children with curiosity, imagination and willingness to believe, to have faith. Growing up, we lose that amazement. We forget to see sparkles, the awesome colors, or experience exciting tastes- importantly, To accept people for who they are.

Jesus fed thousands and blessed many. Jesus grieved for lost friends and gave new life. Jesus endured so that we could live. Jesus didn’t go around taking a survey - only that you have faith and believe. Yes, Be woke!

Jesus gave us understanding, not just scripture. Jesus shows how to live a life that helps us lift and be lifted.  God’s command is clear: to love God and to love each other.

Stop distracting ourselves with “stuff” thinking that will calm our impulses.  Stop putting fences our lives to define property and to keep many out.  Why?  Maybe we should ask who do we let in? Instead of guarding and hoarding, God is welcoming and so should we. 

In God, we find strength and liberation fLast week, the poor widow finds strength to go before all around her with their wealth and things. With liberation and purpose, she gives her last coins that defined everything that she had been and is rewarded with everything that she will be.  She became among the first.

If you did not know what Jesus looked like, how would you know Jesus? Think how the blind man, Bartimaeus, recognized Jesus, jumps to him, regains sight, and becomes a follower.  

Of all the things you could request, what is that one thing? What sign do you need to know that Jesus is working in you now - in your heart?

“Wake up!” Jesus says. Look around you with open eyes, open heart and you will find children of God right here -rooted in love.  All the wonderful you need is right here. Remove the curtains from your life and see the magic of the mystery. 

We do suffer but we do receive so much more like Hannah (1 Samuel). She suffered, and then she received blessings. She recognized God working. Therefore, she offers thanks and praise.   

During Thanksgiving, (hope of Advent on the horizon), Consider all that you have in abundance and give thanks to the one who provides, who guides, who comforts. 

The sign? What exactly are you waiting for? Find God here now - Be woke an