Monday 21 December 2020

Be careful ... watch and pray. (Ch 21)

 Luke Chapter 21

SUMMARY:  Things are not always as they seem to us.
v1-4 The poor widow gave more than all the others.
v5-6 A beautiful building is not what we should focus on.
v7-11 Not all who say 'I am he' should be followed.
v12-18 In the face of great difficulty and even death we are safe v18.
v20-24 The surrounding of Jerusalem is not the end of God's people.
v25-36 Signs to look for does not lessen the need be ready at any time (v36) [Jesus is returning and 'this generation', that is the Jewish people (or perhaps the church), will not pass away until he does.]

REFLECTION: This chapter begins and ends with two beautiful examples. The widow's giving (v2) and the people listening to Jesus (38).  In between, we learn what will happen before Jesus returns. There is much could be said but we should focus on what it means for us today?
While -
(i) Beautiful buildings will not last (v6),
(ii) deceivers will come (v8),
(iii) there will be difficult days (v11, v12, v16, v17, v24)
We should take heart and not be afraid (v9) -
(i) Jesus will give us words and wisdom (v15)
(ii) We are safe when we are in Jesus (v18) [note even those who face death are safe] because
(iii) We have LIFE in his name if we stand firm (v19)
(iv) When the end comes 'redemption is near' [that final redemption from the presence of sin as we enter our eternal rest]
(v) As we are careful (v34) by watching and praying we will escape destruction and stand before Jesus (v36)

PRAYER: 
Loving 
Heavenly Father, as we come to you this picture of destruction, deception, danger and even death can unsettle out hearts. It reminds us of many who not just in history but in this time face great opposition and danger as they follow Jesus. Heavenly Father we pray for them today, give them words and wisdom, keep them safe, assure them of LIFE in your name, and that redemption is near. Encourage them as they watch and pray. Heavenly Father in the challenges we face today, help us today to be careful our hearts do not become weighed down by the anxieties of life but help us and those we love to watch and pray and keep looking to Jesus. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

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