Journal Luke 21 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: (Jesus speaking of the End) “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be lift here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.
And (the disciples) asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”
And (Jesus) said: “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am he!” and, “The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”” Luke 21:5-9
Observation: Underline the instructions, the commands…not so much the backup reasoning behind the commands….
Analysis: I was a pretty rebellious child. Huh! I am still a rebellious child, only in the clothes of a 65-year-old man.
“Hot!! Don’t touch!!” So, what do I do? If I don’t do it right away, eventually I will touch. And then what? I will burn myself.
The End of all Things; Wars and rumors of wars. Earthquakes and all sorts of weather phenomena on the earth—all of these are indicative of Jesus’ return. But not only that, it is evidence of the earth groaning, awaiting the revealing of the Children of God:
“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Ro 8:19-21
Therefore, we have these 3 clear instructions, in line with all that is going on in the earth today, no matter if this is the End or on the way to the end…
- See that you are not led astray. Stick to the path of the Gospel and walk worthy of it.
- Do not go after the fear-mongers, because that is what they are. Don’t be influenced away from the Word of God. Be wise in the way that you walk.
- Do not be terrified. Rest in Him, fear not, anxious for squat!!
Prayer: Lord, I can be influenced so easily, if only in rebelliousness. Right back to Eden: “Are you SURE it isn’t so? These things are pleasant to think about, and stimulate the mind. Are you sure that God doesn’t want you to be prepared? It is a good fear to fear the End because then “you can take matters in your own hands and be prepared…” Sounds like something out of the devil’s mouth.
Help me to wrestle with this to Fear God and walk worthy of the Gospel.
AMEN
Rick Sutton