Sunday 2020.09.13
Reading from Mark Chapter 13 ASV
The two "And then . . . "
Mark 13:5 - 13 Wars and rumours of wars, persecution and betrayal, earthquakes, famine, gospel preached to all nations.
Mark 13:14 - 23 Tribulation, begins with the abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to be (v 14), never has been, never will be, false Christs, false prophets, their signs and wonders lead many astray
Mark 13:24 - 27 AFTER the tribulation, sun and moon darkened, stars fall from the heavens, powers in heaven shaken,
The two "and then":
Mark 13:26
"AND THEN shall they see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory."
Mark 13:27
"AND THEN shall he send forth the angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven."
Conclusion
The two "and then" in todays passage tells us that the return of our Lord Iesou the Anointed One will take place only
- after a time of wars, persecution, earthquakes and famine, gospel preached to all nations
- followed by the great tribulation when false Christs and false prophets lead many astray
- which is followed by the sun and moon darkened, the stars falling from the skies, the shaking of the powers in heavenly places.
