Sunday, April 2, 2023
I remember sitting in my parent’s home on New Year’s Eve in 1999. They wouldn’t let me go out because they just weren’t sure what would happen when the year 2000 came to be. For those of you who aren’t familiar, I’m talking about the hysteria surrounding the potential Y2K computer bug. My parents didn’t believe the end of the world was upon us, but they weren’t confident the computer systems of the world wouldn’t do something crazy either.
The end of the world is one of the most speculated topics of human history. If you search for “end of the world predictions,” you will discover hundreds of times someone has attempted to predict the end of humanity.
Guess what? None of them were right.
As humans, we are all wrapped up in our own self-importance. We look at the things happening around us and think that clearly these are the events that Jesus foretold about the end of the world. Luke 21 is full of these events. It’s easy to look at the natural disasters in our day, the wars and rumors of wars, and the decreasing sense of morality in our culture and assume that the second coming of Christ must occur in our lifetime. However, Jesus warns his followers to stay strong and not be led astray.
Luke 21:8-9
8 He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. 9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.”
He also tells of the persecution of his followers that will occur before the end of the world, but again, he says, “Don’t worry.”
Luke 21:12-15
12 “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. 13 But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. 14 So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, 15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!
Jesus repeatedly warns his followers that the end is coming and to keep watch, but again, “Don’t worry.” He will be with them and give them the words to say. He will give them the strength to stand up to those who are against them. These truths are also for us. We are living between the two advents of Christ. We do not know when the second will happen, but we can be confident that it will. It may occur in our lifetimes—or it might not. It really doesn’t matter. We are called to live in anticipation, to be ready.
Luke 21:34-36
34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”
It will be a glorious day when Jesus returns in all his power. I pray he finds me ready.
Luke 21:27
Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.
Questions:
When you think of the end times, what emotions do you feel? Are you living like you are ready for the return of Christ?
Next Steps:
There are 365 instances in the Bible when we are told not to fear or worry. When you feel tempted to worry about the future or the events of your life, turn to the Psalms. Psalm 23, 27, 34, and 46 are good places to start.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise that you will return and redeem our broken world. Thank you for telling us to be ready but also to not worry. I pray you burden our hearts for the lost around us. Help us to be bold in proclaiming your salvation and redemption. When we see events occurring in our world that frighten us, remind us that you are in control. You have promised to redeem all that sin has broken. Amen.