Grow Through The Gospels - Mark 13

Read: Mark 13

Mark 13:31 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Think

Voltaire once predicted that Christianity would be swept away within a hundred years. Ironically, just fifty years after his death in 1779, the German Bible Society used his house and printing press to produce Bibles. Similarly, during World War II, Hitler built a massive structure in Monte Carlo for Nazi propaganda. Today, Trans World Radio uses that very building to broadcast the Gospel across Europe, Russia, and Africa. These stories beautifully illustrate how God’s Word triumphs over human attempts to suppress it.

God’s Word is a firm foundation for life—unchanging and eternal. To know God's will, we need to look at what he has said in the Bible. The enduring nature of Scripture is a testament to its divine origin and reliability. Comfort and strength come from knowing that God's promises and guidance remain constant, regardless of changing times and circumstances. This steadiness is a source of profound reassurance.

At the British Library in London, visitors are drawn to the Codex Sinaiticus, one of the oldest known New Testament manuscripts, written in the fourth century. This ancient manuscript, preserved through the ages, is often open to passages like the Gospel of Luke, where John preached repentance. Standing before these centuries-old pages, one can't help but feel a deep connection to the countless believers who found hope and direction in these same words. The preservation of such texts reassures believers of the Bible's reliability and timeless relevance.

As one gazes at the Codex Sinaiticus, the permanence of God’s Word becomes strikingly evident. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away” (Mark 13:31). Peter echoed this, stating, “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the Word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:24-25). In a turbulent world, the enduring nature of God's Word offers an anchor, remaining the most trusted guide for living through all ages and challenges.

“I’ve experienced his presence in the deepest hell that man can create. . . . I have tested the promises of the Bible, and believe me, you can count on them.” — Corrie ten Boom (holocaust survivor)

Apply

In times of uncertainty or challenge, Scripture can be your anchor, offering comfort and stability. Memorize Mark 13:31 to remind you of God’s unchanging promises.

Pray

Heavenly Father, help me to trust in your Word, in its truth and reliability, knowing that your promises never fail. Guide me to seek your will through Scripture. Anchor my heart in your Word, especially in times of uncertainty, and let it be my constant source of comfort and strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.