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Mark 13:1-8

                     

“Follow The Truth, Not the Rumor”

I would like to start with something funny. I heard a story about a six-year-old boy. He was standing in the church lobby, staring at a large wall filled with names with small American flags next to them. He asked the Pastor what the names meant. The Pastor explained that it was a memorial to all the young men and women that died in the service. The little boy stood there silently, so concerned. He finally looked up and asked, “Was it at the 8:30 or 11 o’clock service?

Today is Veterans Sunday. I do appreciate and honor all veterans for their service and sacrifice. We shouldn’t forget their sacrifice. Because of their sacrifice, we can live in a safe country. You may have heard the saying that “freedom is not free.” Yes, because of their sacrifice, we have freedom. I personally appreciate those who participated in the Korean War. There were many rumors and political stories behind the Korean War. However, it is true that we indeed live at peace now because of the sacrifice of many veterans. If we focus on the rumors, we will lose the truth.

Today, I want to talk about “following the truth, not the rumors.” There are many rumors along with facts about whatever happens in every era. Also, while we have been experiencing the COVID 19 pandemic, we have heard many rumors and wrong information. The rumors lead us to confusion, hesitation in making decisions, and blocking out the truth. Especially because we live in a media filled century, we can hear fake news and rumors easily. But, it is hard to figure out what is right or wrong. Therefore, we should pray to see the truth and to hear the facts. The truth never changes, but rumors might change depending on situations, places, and time. The rumor, or wrong information, sometimes sounds true, and it seems to be strong if more than two people argue about it. In contrast, the truth sometimes keeps silent and seems weak, but it finally shows up very clearly for everyone to see.

What is truth? We are here to worship God. It is the truth that Jesus Christ is our savior Our Lord. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Because we believe in Jesus Christ as the truth, we are here right now for serving God and serving our neighbors. It is the truth.

In today’s scripture, Jesus is warning about rumors. Jesus and his disciples are about to leave the temple after they see the widow’s offering. Jesus told them, “beware of scribes,” who exploited the poor widows. At that time, because the religious leaders forced people to offer money to build the new temple and they enjoyed their greed, Jesus gave them the lesson, showing them the widow’s offering. However, the disciples didn’t understand what Jesus was talking about. And then, they came out of the temple, and looked at the beautiful and magnificent temple building, and said to Jesus, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings?” Then Jesus said, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” At that time, the religious leaders and political leaders were building the second temple, which was larger and more magnificent than the Solomon Temple.

If you heard that the temple being built is going to be destroyed, what would you think about it? If I had listened to it, I would ask, “why” rather than “when.” But, the disciples asked him, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” If you had the chance to ask God for one wish, what would you ask? It would be best if you asked the primary thing. Here are the examples. The blind beggar asked to see, to recover his sight again, not for money.  If the blind beggar asked for money (wealth) because his job was begging for daily food, he would be blind continually and couldn’t handle his money. The other example is about King Solomon’s prayer. He asked for “wisdom” to rule the people when he became a king. He said, “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (1 Kings 3:9). Because Solomon asked for the primary thing, he would become the King of “wisdom,” along with wealth.

However, the disciples didn’t ask Jesus the primary thing. They asked him, “When will this be happening?” “What signs will come for the event is fulfilled?” rather than “why will it happen?” Or, “What should we do?” Nevertheless, Jesus, who loved them, told them about the truth and rumor: “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he,’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed.” Jesus said to his disciples, watching out for the rumors and wrong information. And then, he told the truth: “This must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.”  According to Jesus, we still may have wars, disasters, earthquakes, and famines in the world. It must be true Jesus said. Those things might happen along with rumors. But, Jesus said, “watch out for rumors, but don’t be afraid of what is happening in the world.” Let us listen to him carefully. Jesus didn’t say “don’t worry. I will remove all bad things, such as wars, earthquakes, famines, etc.” Instead, he said, “watch out for all rumors, and don’t be alarmed for those happening because this must happen.”

Some think that Christians should not experience bad happenings because God protects them. Yes, God protects his people, but everyone may experience bad things happening because God never said that he would remove all obstacles in our way. Instead, God said, “I will be with you.”  For example, the faithful Daniel and his friends were thrown into the blazing furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:19-26). Then the king said, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” and his people said, “Yes, certainly we did.” But, the King said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and fourth looks like a son of the gods.” It is the promise of God that he will be with his people. Even though we may experience difficulties, God will be with us. In today’s scripture, we find the truth, “there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.” We might experience difficulties, but that will be “the beginning of the birth pangs.” In other words, when we experience difficulties it might be pains for birth of a new life. Therefore, do not be alarmed by them, but watch out for rumors. The problems we sometimes experience might be pains for a new life in Jesus Christ. So, let us follow the truth, not the rumors. The truth is Jesus Christ. Let us love one another, following Jesus Christ. And the world may know us, as we are Christians by our love. Thanks be to God. Amen!