God’s View into the Future – Part II
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!”
In yesterday’s devotion we studied all the signs that Jesus gave his disciples to watch for that indicate the second coming of Jesus to this earth. Today, lets study what Jesus said for us to do as we wait for these events to happen.
The first thing Jesus told them was to not ignore the signs that He had just described. In Luke 21:29, Jesus used an illustration to make this point. He said that we can look at the trees and know when their leaves come out that summer is near. No one must tell us this; we can see it for ourselves. Jesus went on to say that the signs that He described were to let them know the Kingdom of God is near. I think reading over the signs from yesterday’s devotion help us not live life ignoring Jesus’s words.
The second thing Jesus warned us of is the dully effect of carousing, drunkenness, and the worries of life. If we allow these things to dominate our daily life, the day of Jesus’s second coming will take us by surprise. Jesus described that day as one that everyone on earth will see but many will not be prepared for.
The third thing is that Jesus said to keep alert at all times.
Knowing that Jesus would never exaggerate perhaps we want to develop ways of keeping ourselves always alert. Do you realize how hard it is to keep alert all the time? It is so easy to lose our diligence, over time, in watching for Jesus’s return.
Most of us have an “alarm” or “reminders” on our phones that help us remember to do something. I have put them to use in reminding me, every day, to pray for certain things and certain people. If you are struggling to pray or read your Bible every day, why not take advantage of the technology that our phones provide?
Finally, Jesus gives us a vital pray item to put on our prayer list: “pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36b).
Do you agree with me that if Jesus tells us that we need to pray for this strength that we had better get busy and do just that?
Our Nation has provided most of us a easy life with plenty of food and comforts. The Bible tells us that there is coming a time that will be just the opposite with days of real trouble and suffering for Believers. Many of us have become soft and need some discipline in our lives.
Join me in asking the Lord for help in preparing for these times that Jesus described in Luke 21. May God help us all to be strong in Him as these days unfold.
Father, may your Spirit show me where I am weak and in need of work. I asked this in Jesus’s Name, amen.