STANDING TALL TO THE END
Opening Prayer
Hallelujah! Jesus, you are coming again! Thank you that all of God’s promises in you are Yes and Amen!
Read LUKE 21:25–38
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Our physical posture both reflects and affects our mental and emotional state. If you can, roll your shoulders back, raise your head, and lift your eyes toward heaven as you ask God to speak to you today.This is a continuation of yesterday’s passage, with Jesus warning his hearers of all the terrors that would come before this world passes away. Unfortunately, believers through the ages have often been more concerned with interpreting the signs than with responding in the way Jesus told us to. Each new war, each new totalitarian regime, each new natural disaster sparks fraught debate about whether or not we are in the end times.
Jesus gives us three things we should do in the light of these warnings. First, he gives us the attitude with which believers should face the future: standing tall, with our heads held high, in confident assurance of our redemption (v. 28). Second, we must be careful not to get too wrapped up in either the anxieties or the pleasures of this world (v. 34). And finally, we are to watch and pray, so we are ready when Jesus returns (v. 36).
Jesus did not try to pretend that we will never suffer, but he assured us that, as children of God, we need not live in fear, for our future is secure.
Apply
In what ways do you anticipate Christ’s return? Does your life show confidence in Jesus’ return? What does expectant living look like for you?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, fill me with confident hope in you and your return. I trust you to strengthen me as I fix my eyes on you.
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