Today's Readings: Zechariah 14:1–9; Psalm 50; Mark 13:24–37
Having lived in Oklahoma my whole life, I sometimes forget the power of nature. Sure, I love hiking and beautiful streams, but it’s not the same feeling as driving on I-70 and finally seeing the Rocky Mountains come into view. Even from afar, the snow-capped mountains are intimidating, majestic, and imposing. Likewise, standing on a sandy beach watching the ocean tide crashing onto the shoreline in ever-increasing strength is equally powerful, intimidating, and awe-inspiring. I don’t forget that God created elements of nature, but I sometimes forget and place little value on the meaning and purpose of God’s creation.
Nature is not only created by God as described in Genesis, but it is a common backdrop throughout the Bible. Entwined in the stories of our favorite Bible figures are examples of nature that demonstrate God’s majesty and power and His ability to control nature for His will. I’ve always been in awe of nature as a reminder of God’s power but never really as a reminder of the hope I have in Jesus—until now.
These three passages give us a glimpse of the end days and how God uses nature as part of his wrath toward those who are wicked. As Psalm 50 tells, “though the Lord speaks and summons the Earth...the Lord delivers His people.” His wrath is evident through nature, yet His people who love Him and obey Him are protected and given salvation. Mark 13:24-37 describes a similar reaction of creation to the coming of Jesus. “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fail from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” Mark goes on to say, “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” What hope this gives us! We, as followers of Jesus, do not have to worry about end days and God’s wrath because of the salvation we have through Jesus.
Our hope is in the Lord; therefore, when we admire God’s beautiful nature, we should rest in the comfort that the Creator of the Universe chose us. He made a way for us to be protected from Himself by giving Himself to us--through Jesus. As Zechariah 14:9 states, “The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.” As we prepare our hearts this season, let us remember who our true HOPE is—Jesus!
