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
Jesus describes the predictability of a fig tree’s growth cycle with his coming again, something that is unpredictable (only God knows when). However, just as sure as the sprouting leaves signal the presence of summer, so, too, as things begin to fall apart around us, this means Jesus’ return is near. “There will be signs”: Signs that say Jesus is coming, signs that say Jesus’ return is very near. These signs will happen. And because these signs will happen, we wait with hope. Our hope calls us to a renewed faith in God who never changes, who keeps promises, and who is with us at all times. Our hope assures us that no matter what happens while we wait, nothing will be able to separate us from God’s love for us in Jesus. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
O God, the signs surrounding Jesus’ return are scary, making us want to run and hide. However, in the midst of all that will happen, knowing that you will never leave us is a comfort. Strengthen us as we keep alert and on guard at all times, so we are ready to stand before Jesus when he comes again. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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