Reading: Luke 21:25-28
“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of [r]the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” [NASB1995®]
The passage we’re reading today is part of what we have been sharing in our two previous readings. In this, undoubtedly, the theme is the return of the Lord Jesus.And once again, Jesus clearly contrasts how the world will live and experience that event.
The entire Universe will announce this moment, with great signs in the heavens, on earth and even among nations. Even the powers of heaven will be shaken.
Expectation, anguish, and fear will fill the hearts of men. Thinking about the changes we experience today, signs of what is to come, many are filled with fear, they are distressed, they despair. Some react by thinking that they can do something to avoid a possible time of drastic changes on our planet. They build shelters, accumulate provisiones, and even plan to move to Mars.
The prospect of a world experiencing such extreme phenomena is something that men have feared since the beginning.
What about us? When we see the Son of Man coming with power and glory it will be time to raise our heads and rise up, for it will be the time of our redemption.
When the Lord comes every knee will bend in front of him, some to mourn and cry, while others to joyfully worship Him who promised to return for His own.
That’s the difference: who is Jesus for me? He who brings judgment and condemnation? Or he who comes to seek me among the people he bought?
The question is not when He will come, the question is… Do I know Him? Am I His? Do I love him?
How can I know?… Do I recognize my sin? Have I sought His forgiveness? Do I believe and trust that He alone has the power to save me and transform me? Do I hate sin and walk in holiness?
The question is not whether I go to church (although children of God seek each other, without exception), if I have baptized myself (though it is an ordinance we must keep), if I read my Bible (though without it we would not live)… All these things are necessary, they are means of His grace, but the question is… do I know Him? Am I His? Do I love Him?
MEDITATE: He who is to come will come, and for those who rejected him it will be cause for confusion and regret. But it will be a time of joy for His children. Am I one of His?
Scripture quotation taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Translation By: Emily Stader
