Friday, April 12 - Luke 21 from Inter Ryan Anderson

Friday April 12^th- Luke 21

Watch the Skies

“At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Lk 21:27-28

 

The past few days have been rather rainy down here in Mequon. Frankly, I get depressed in this kind of weather. April should be filled with a little more sunshine than we have had the chance to experience.

 I’m sure the disciples felt the same way as Jesus was telling them about the end of the age. There are a lot of bad, depressing things in that list. Jesus talks about wars, famines, revolutions, plagues, and persecution. Jerusalem will even be trampled and conquered by the Gentiles, which was the ultimate depression for Jews.

I can just picture one of the disciples saying, “Lord, it’s so gloomy out. Can we have some sunshine please?” Jesus then reminds them of the whole purpose of these events: to herald the coming of the Son of Man. Does the Son of Man come in order to continue the destruction and perpetuate the fear? No! He comes with great glory, and is mighty to save.

For this reason, the disciples and us can emerge from the persecutions and trials, and lift up our heads to look on the One who has saved us. Jesus comes not to destroy us, but to save those who believe. He says that we are to look up “because your redemption is drawing near.” On that final day, redemption will indeed be near, in the person of Jesus Christ. And we will live in that redemption from then on and forevermore.

May the peace of God be with you as you stand firm and keep a watchful eye on the sky, for though it may rain, the Sun/Son is coming soon for you!