Luke 21:5-19 (NRSV)
Read Luke 21:5-19 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, Verse 6"As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." Verse 7They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" Verse 8And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. Verse 9"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Verse 10Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; Verse 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. Verse 12"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. Verse 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. Verse 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; Verse 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. Verse 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. Verse 17You will be hated by all because of my name. Verse 18But not a hair of your head will perish. Verse 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Devotion
Jesus’ ragtag disciples were used to rural living. Then Jesus takes them on a field trip to the big city of Jerusalem. They gawk at the enormity of the Temple, amazing in both structure and design.
I can relate. A few years ago, I had the privilege of taking a study tour to Greece and Turkey, retracing the steps of the Apostle Paul. I was awestruck with the ruins of the Roman Empire across the Mediterranean: huge colosseums, theaters, libraries, and the many temples of gods and goddesses.
Jesus was right: buildings will not last forever. They will fall. Across the millennia, powerful empires with ruthless leaders have fallen. We can stand in the ruins, read about their lives in history books, and study remnants of past civilizations in museums. Empires and rulers, gone. What is the good news? Kingdoms rise and fall, but the Word of God stands forever!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are our forever King, and your kingdom will not fall nor fail. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
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