Luke 21:5-11 CONTRASTING PROPHECY - THINGS TO COME

And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said,  “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down.”  They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”  And He said, “See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them.  When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.”  Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom,  and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

If you are a Christian, prophecy can be a burden.  As we long for our Savior’s promised and imminent return, we begin to examine “signs of His return.”  We notice natural disasters, wars, and open rebellion and we say to ourselves “This is part of the signs of Jesus’ return.” But when the commotion ceases, we find ourselves alone and lonely.  We know in our mind that nobody knows the day of our of Christ’s return, less the Father alone.  And when Jesus comes, even if I am examining signs of His return right now, when He does return, I will be totally caught off-guard.  Since it seems futile to search for the key to Jesus’ return, then what should you and I do in the time of our waiting?  We are to grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You in particular know how I ache for Your return and have been heavily disappointed when it hasn't yet come to pass.  Lord, I am like Abel who cries from the heavenlies , “How long?”  But in the meantime, let me spend my time profitably in service to You and Your church who is the family of Christ.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.