Psalm 8; Mark 13.5-36
Will the universe end?
Why even ask?
When some Christians ask …
Smugness …
Bitterness …
Self-centered …
Some Christians want a small universe.
6 - 10 thousand yrs …
Scientists are fools.
Evolution is a lie.
Pit Bible against Science.
Why?
Want to feel big! Important.
Control.
They and their world are the center ...
Psalm 8 … big universe.
Illustration:
Distance from the earth to the sun (93 million miles, or about 8 light minutes) is compressed to the thickness of a typical sheet of paper. On this scale, the nearest star (4.3 light years) is at a distance of 71 feet.
Diameter of the Milky Way (100,000 light years) a stack 310 miles high.
Distance to the Andromeda galaxy (at 2 million light years one of the most distant objects visible to the naked eye) would require a stack of paper more than 6000 miles high!
On this scale, the "edge" of the Universe, defined as the most distance known quasars some 10 billion light years hence, is not reached until the stack of paper is 31 million miles high.
Psalmist - thrilled with this!
Better question: How will it end?
The Resurrection of the dead …
New heaven, new earth ...
Best question: How do we live?
Jesus: don’t be deceived … don’t panic … be alert … be smart … be wise … be awake!
If I should die before I wake …
Wake me up before I die …
The point of the resurrection… this life is of great value … and this life will be raised from the dead. Death doesn’t win.
Life’s activities: painting, preaching, singing, sewing, praying, teaching, building hospitals, digging wells, campaigning for justice, writing poems, caring for the needy, loving our neighbor - will last into God's future.
It’s kingdom building.
(inspired by Tom Wright, Surprised by Joy)
Live LORD’s Prayer.
Psalm 119 - to learn and live the instruction of God - laws, ordinances, statutes, God’s promises.
Love God and neighbor …
Micah 6.8 - Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly …
Amos 5.24 - Let justice roll down like waters, righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Do unto others …
Promises: I am with you always … I will never leave you or forsake you … I shall come again and take you to myself, so that where I am, you may be.
This life: God with us.
After death: with God.
Heidelberg Cat:
Question 1.
What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer.
That I with body and soul, both in life and death, (a)
am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
This world is our home …
Task: make it so for all God’s creatures.
That’s why we despise war.
Hate injustice.
Shun bigotry.
Reject ignorance and fear.
Strive for peace.
Build justice.
Welcome one another.
Seek knowledge … the light of the world … love - truth - the truth that sets us free, the truth of God’s mighty love for all the world - world without end!
About the end, don’t fret … you’ll make it just fine, because God really loves you … loves your family, your friends - the whole wide world.
As God determines:
The universe began well.
The universe will end well.
In the meantime, let us live well - for the glory of God!
Amen and Amen!
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