How do we react to signs of the end of the age? How would Jesus encourage us to proceed. Let’s examine Jesus’ prophecy in Luke 21:25-36.
Lift
Luke 21:25 “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” Only figuratively, partially fulfilled in the Destruction of Jerusalem, this will be completely fulfilled at Jesus Christ’s Second Coming.
Luke 21:26 “men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” Ancient prophecies foretold Christ’s Second Coming. Darkness (Isaiah 13:9-10) under cloud (Ezekiel 32:7-8), blood, fire and smoke (Joel 2:30-31).
Luke 21:27 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” This refers to His Second Coming (Daniel 7:13). He will return as He went (Acts 1:9-11; Matthew 26:64), and every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7).
Luke 21:28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Redemption from Jewish persecution in 70 AD was partial fulfillment of the redemption that Christians will experience at Christ’s return. Look up! He is coming soon!
Behold
Luke 21:29-31 “Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.”
Deciduous trees sprout leaves indicating an upcoming change of seasons. So too will world events will indicate that “these things BEGIN to take place.” These things? What things? Signs in the sky way beyond normal, and people fainting in fear, precede what? Look up! He is coming in the clouds!
Luke 21:32 “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place.” This generation applies two ways. That generation did not pass until partial fulfilment of this prophecy in Jerusalem. But “all things” can take place within a single generation before Christ returns.
Luke 21:33 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Prophecies confirms that there will be a new heaven and earth (Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1), and the word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).
Pray
Luke 21:34-35 “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.”
The Greek for “dissipation” or “surfeiting” is literally a drunk headache, and implies debauchery. Faith in God’s care displaces worry. The snare or trap suddenly springs, picturing the speed of these events unfolding. If our focus is constantly on the things of God, we will be ready for His return.
Luke 21:36 “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” As faith wins against worry, prayer wins the escape and we stand before Christ.
As these things begin to take place, let’s straighten up and lift up our heads looking to the clouds. The kingdom of God is near. Be on guard! Let’s not be weighed down with excess and worry. Let’s stay alert! Pray for strength to escape, and to stand before our coming king.
Luke 21:25-36; Isaiah 13:9-10; Ezekiel 32:7-8; Joel 2:30-31; Daniel 7:13; Acts 1:9-11; Matthew 26:64; Revelation 1:7; Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1; Isaiah 40:8
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
