Read Luke 21:5-38
Our journey to the cross with Jesus continues, and today we see Jesus teaching in the Temple. The topic in this reading seems to be very timely for us today, too. But we miss the point if we think that Jesus was talking about a specific set of calamities. In every age, there have been false prophets and plenty of natural disasters. Yet Jesus wanted to include this lesson so his followers would know what to expect. Even more, he didn’t want them to be afraid.
Jesus wanted to prepare us so that we would not be led astray. Over the centuries, there have been plenty of examples of people claiming to be the Messiah or making predictions about Jesus’ return. Jesus warns us about that. “Don’t panic,” he says. All of these things will take place as Jesus said, but his words are meant to calm us not elicit fear.
This type of teaching can be categorized as apocalyptical. Apocalyptic literature uses unsettling language and imagery as a means to assure the faithful that they should keep their trust in God even when facing the most challenging of circumstances. That’s why this is especially timely for us today.
I have heard many trusted Christian friends say we’re living in the end times. Even the apostle Paul thought so. Based on this text, I can understand how Paul would have believed the end times were near simply by the way Jesus explained it. We have all been living in the end times ever since Jesus told us to expect it.
When we know what the expectations are for a situation, it takes away the anxiety of not knowing. Jesus was trying to be helpful in his teaching over these final days. I know that I work much more efficiently when I have a guide or checklist to follow. The problem is when we let the checklist distract us from completing the task. Here, Jesus doesn’t want us to get so worried about the different events that will happen. He wants us to focus on the outcome.
Verse 19 is great wisdom for us. “By standing firm, you will win your souls.” We need to keep our eyes on Jesus. That assurance of God’s faithfulness to us in the face of difficult times is the real concern of this passage. There is also comfort in knowing that despite the persecution we endure, our final home is with Jesus. We can put up with a lot of pain when we know there is an end to it when we reach our final destination.
I think of running a marathon. While I’ve never done it myself, I can only imagine there are plenty of times along the course when the runner feels like giving up. Maybe the hill is too steep, or the pain stabbing the feet and ankles seems too much to bear. Don’t most runners picture the finish line to help them keep going?
Jesus describes our finish line when he said, “Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” Our salvation is near! What a beautiful promise that is. If we see these things happening, we should be glad. I know I’ve looked to the sky many times hoping to see Jesus coming on a cloud!
Jesus also tells us what we can do to be ready. “Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” Prayer is certainly our best weapon. I also think of worship as a great defense.
When we feel like we are under attack, or unsure of our future, it’s time to get on our knees and raise our hands to heaven. What better way to fight off the evil one than by singing our heart out, giving praise and honor to God. It’s like we’ve got a shield around us.
Let Jesus’ words comfort you and bring you peace. When we are armed with the truth, we can face anything that comes our way.
Let’s pray …
Lord, thank you for giving us this wisdom of what to expect and what to do while we’re waiting. I do long to see you face to face, but I realize that a lot of suffering will take place in this world before you return. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you and your promise of salvation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
