What’s coming in the future? Jesus shares some very confusing and disturbing news about the future. There will be distruction (and in 70 AD, Roman will destroy Israel, killing everyone it can) and persecution (a generation later, Roman will torture and kill scores of Christians). We have the perspective of history to see what happens, but for the disciples they must have wondered what they had gotten themselves into.

What have we gotten ourselves into? Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (Mark 13:31) In Psalm 36, I read: For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. And in Deuteronomy 4:9, God wants Moses to remember all that God has done throughout his lifetime: Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.

There is much about the future that is uncertain – the signs often look frightening. How many times have we read in scripture – do not be afraid. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever – the words of Christ will never pass away. I will place my hope and future in Jesus Christ.