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
The gap between what is and what will be is a place of anticipation and expectancy. Herein lies hope. To live in hope means remaining open to the future while refusing to let the present overwhelm us. “The kingdom of God is near” is our hope, and it calls for a response. When we want to run away, when we want to hide, when we are tired and overwhelmed, when things seem hopeless, we respond by standing up and raising our heads. When the powers of heaven are shaken, when there is distress among nations, when people are fainting, when it looks like things are getting worse, we respond by standing up and raising our heads. By standing and looking up, we gain new perspectives, and we see things from higher vantage points. By standing and looking up, we see God, and we have hope, knowing that God’s kingdom is near, knowing that God will see us through.
Prayer
O God, through all our times of chaos and turmoil, of confusion and pain, you are our constant. Your presence with us helps us to keep standing and raising our heads. You are our guide as we journey in that gap of what is and what will be, ultimately leading us to that promised future secured in you. Thank you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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