How can we be near the end already?

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Bern Leckie answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

Jesus leaves no doubt that he is going to change the world, which will come to an end as we know it, at a time we don't know. This is epic, mysterious but important stuff. What are we supposed to do about it? I like that Jesus isn't talking about this to impress his disciples but to engage them in a big mission - his father's mission - to bring the gospel to the whole world. It's a far bigger job than any of the disciples could have imagined doing.

What I really love most is that Jesus promises that it's not mission impossible for us. God is active on it. Even in the hardest times, when disciples are brought to trial, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will speak through them. I think it's easy to feel overwhelmed by mission and guilty about not doing enough, but at the most difficult moment Jesus is reminding us that it's really God's mission, and he will accomplish it.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

If God is speaking, not us, why are we asked to do anything at all, especially difficult things which involve suffering and sacrifice? There's only one way I can make sense of this. God isn't prodding us to do his work for him, but neither is he offering to fix the world for us while we do nothing. God wants us to partner with him, join in his work, be the mouths through which the Spirit speaks to the world. The closeness this requires between us and God seems amazing to me, but it is what Jesus is leading us into.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Pause a bit more often before I speak - especially when I'm feeling under pressure - maybe God wants to say something!

Who am I going to share this with?

I don't know yet - I'm sure there will be a situation soon when this seems to happen, and I would like to be able to credit God for when he gets involved, whenever that is.