“But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:24 – 26)
The first coming, the one we are in anticipation of coming, well . . . . let me think . . . . was after the suffering of the Jews under a number of conquerors and rulers. And even at that time they “suffered” under both the Romans and under temple leadership. Maybe the readers of the gospel of Mark knew or could imagine they kind of suffering that there might be. But, I digress from my point.
The first coming of the Divine was greatly anticipated but done more quiet and subtly. A manager instead of incoming clouds. You know, I think the first coming – the one we are waiting to celebrate again – is more important and profound. Without that first time, the second would have no point. And would be the nature of the “angry God” we hear about in the Old Testament. This second time would be the follow up to the first time, and a check in to see how believers have done in the meantime.
“Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.” (Verses 27 – 29)
In addition, the first coming was the introduction to the Messiah and the Divine that would be making a second coming – at some point. And give prove of a not “angry” God but a merciful and loving Divine.
“Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.” (Verse 30)
I very deliberately, beloved reader, used the phrase “at some time.” Because we are generations and generations away from Jesus. In fact – the two books I recently perused talk about “turnings” in generations that comprise four distinct societal types. Briefly, with each “turning” society becomes darker and less trusting and caring. We are, the author says, in the fourth and darker type. So, one has to ask, how is the writer of the gospel of Mark, defining “generation”?
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Verses 31 – 32)
We don’t know. When, how, where . . . we don’t know. In our generation (that is, those who walk the earth) there have been many predictions, prophesies, and foreshadowing of what the end of this world will be like. Perhaps this is just the writer of the gospel of Mark’s idea. That Jesus is saying it (by virtue of the gospel writer) makes it hard to understand it in this current time since, as I said, we are so far from that time. The thing we can be sure of – is Who we are looking for. Whether infant child, young man, Messiah, or Creator – we know Who to look for.
“Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake–for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” (Verses 33 – 37)
May the season of Advent have you searching the sky, and searching your heart, for Who you want and need. And be awake and aware of the movement of the Holy Presence! Shalom & Selah!
A Simple Desire 
Your comments are welcome