June 4, 2012 Jesus' Prayer Request

Jesus’ Prayer Request Mark 13:18-22 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now — and never to be equaled again. 20 If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. DO YOU see Jesus’ “prayer request” here? Or perhaps you could say Jesus is strongly encouraging the people to pray for something specific. And notice, Jesus doesn’t say to pray that God will not destroy the temple and Jerusalem. Destruction is sure. God, the Father, has declared it to the Son, and Jesus prophesies God’s sure judgment. But Jesus does say there is something that praying could change amid the sure destruction. Jesus “prayer request” is taht the judgment will not come in winter. Leading up to this, he has warned that people will flee to the mountains and hide in caves. The winter’s cold would add more misery to the horrible events. As he prophesys destruction, Jesus is also offering priestly advice to pray for some measure of comfort and care amid the destruction. The same is true for you. Jesus came as a prophet to teach the Gospel truth. He prophesys you will face God’s judgment one day. Jesus also came as a priest to save you from the Father’s sure judgment. In his death for you, he takes the Father’s judgment upon himself. When you receive him as Lord, you receive the benefits of his prophetic teaching. You also receive the benefits of his priestly sacrifice for you. Pray for protection in the impending judgment, and you will be saved. Pause and consider the power of prayer to save.