Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV)
Read Luke 21:25-36 on biblegateway.com
Verse 25"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. Verse 26People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Verse 27Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Verse 28Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Verse 29Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; Verse 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. Verse 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Verse 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Verse 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Verse 34"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, Verse 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Verse 36Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Devotion
A line from the band, Third Eye Blind’s song "Closing Time" is "every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." As human beings, we dread, perhaps even fear endings. We look for ways to procrastinate, to put off the end of something that we enjoy. Endings also herald uncertainty. When a job or relationship ends, we don't know what will happen next and that fills us with anxiety or fear. But God promises that our endings can also become beginnings better than we can ever imagine. This world that we know today might end, it could all go away tomorrow, but God will create a new beginning. Jesus tells us that when everything goes away and changes, Jesus and his word endure forever. We don't need to fear endings or death, because through Jesus Christ, God will do a new thing and bring abundant life to us all, now and forever.
Prayer
God of endings and beginnings, we trust that you will create newness from endings, and life from death. Your word endures forever and we can cast all of our fears, uncertainty and anxiety on you. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as in heaven, now and forever, amen.