Signs of the end
Day 482, Saturday, Dec. 6
Luke 21:5 – 23:25
Much of chapter 21 is devoted to answering the question some of the disciples ask in 21:7, “‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?’”
Right before this question, these disciples had been commenting on the beauty and majesty of the temple. Jesus’s response was, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
That particular prophecy was fulfilled relatively soon. In A.D. 70 (a little less than 40 years later), there was a Jewish uprising against Rome and the Romans destroyed the Temple and the surrounding city of Jerusalem. That timeline seems to support Jesus’s words in 21:32, “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.”
The other signs that are supposed to take place have been frequent throughout history: earthquakes, famines, pestilence, fearful events and signs from heaven.
All of that serves to reinforce the words of Jesus in 21:8, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.”
The discussion of the Day of the Lord should serve as a reminder to be prepared, not as an excuse for pointless speculation. For most of us, our time to face judgment will come before then with our death, which may also come unexpectedly at any time.
Hear the words of 21:34-36, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Saturday meditation

Psalms 37:27-33
Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.
Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish. The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.
The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, intent on putting them to death; but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

Prayer focus
Lord, protect and defend us that we may be able to stand before you holy and righteous.

-Rev. Mark Fleming