God’s View into the Future – Part I
Scripture Reading: Luke 21:5-36
Key Verse: Luke 21:28
“So, when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”.
Some of the disciples were very impressed with the majestic stonework of the Temple, so Jesus decided it was another great teaching moment.
Jesus told them what the Temple’s future was: it would be demolished, not one stone would be left on top of another! This led these disciples to ask if there would be some signs that would show them that these things were about to happen.
Jesus listed six signs to watch for. The first sign is the appearance of false messiahs who claim to be the real one. Jesus warned them not to believe in these false messiahs. When Jesus comes, He will not need to claim that it’s Him, all believers will know!
The second sign will be many wars and insurrections. Jesus encourages them not to panic, that the end of the world will not come immediately after this sign.
The third sign will be numerous earthquakes, famines, and plagues in many lands.
Maybe, just maybe, we should see the Covid 19 experience that the whole world experienced as a sign to us Believers… what do you think?
The fourth thing that Jesus mentions is a time of persecution for Believers in Jesus. As Christ-followers are dragged before the courts of the land, Jesus said, that we would be His witnesses, telling all those in those courts about Jesus. Jesus went on the assure us that we would be given just the right words for all those occasions.
The fifth thing that Jesus told His Followers to look for is when Jerusalem is surrounded by armies. In those last days, Jerusalem will be trampled down by their enemies and the world will hate the Jews, and they will flee for their lives.
As we see all the tension going on in Israel and the fight over Jerusalem, we should be alert for the soon coming destruction of that city!
Finally, Jesus told those disciples that there would be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. During this last period, people will be terrified at what seems to be coming upon the earth, realizing that the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
At this point, after all these signs, Jesus concludes the lesson with this assurance to all His Followers: “Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory!” (Luke 21:27). Our “true” Messiah will leave no question that He is the One and Only true Messiah… the savior of all who have believed!
Father, I want to be faithful to you and our mission on this earth until Jesus comes to get me. Grant me your strength to face all these things. In Jesus’s Name I pray, amen.