In The Word
Read: Luke 21:25-38
The Return of Christ
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, 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. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near.31 So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
34 “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; 35 for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. 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.”
37 Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. 38 And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Jesus continued to teach the disciples about the challenging events that would come upon the earth, such as conflicts between nations and disturbances in the seas and skies. He said that, during times of trouble, people often burden themselves with worry or try to relieve the anguish with worldly vices such as drinking. But those things will not solve the problem; rather, Jesus said the answer is prayer, which is trusting and depending upon God. He told the disciples to be encouraged when they saw these events as it meant the kingdom of God was near.
The world’s ways to cope with problems have not changed since Jesus’s day. When difficult challenges arise, people still run to worry, stress, and anxiety; this not only does not solve the problem but also adds trouble with physical problems in the body and clouds the mind from thinking clearly. Some people try to find a solution through overeating, drinking, taking drugs, entertainment, etc., but often end up burdened with a problematic addiction. Paul gives direction for when we are faced with a challenge: “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). The answer to every challenge we face is God; so we should seek Him through prayer, fill ourselves with His Spirit through studying the Scripture, and draw close to Him through heartfelt worship.
Are you facing a personal challenge or watching disturbing and troubling world events? Run to God and find peace and rest.