Word@Work Luke315 - Luke 21:29-31
Published: Thu, 03/17/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Luke 21:29-31 He told them this parable: "Look at the fig-tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. (NIV)
Every continent and local area has seasons of hot and cold, rain and dry; and weather suitable for sowing and reaping. Farmers need a reasonable degree of certainty about these seasons so that they can decide when to invest and when to harvest. Failure of the rains, or cold at the wrong time, will make the farmer's life difficult, but if the seasons were totally haphazard, agriculture would be impossible to the point of famine.
Not only does the weather help us decide about when to sow and reap; but we can also tell which season we are in by the condition of the plants and trees. So Jesus urges that His disciples carefully assess the state of the world and rejoice when they see evidences that Christ will come again (Luke 21:28). Over the years various Christians have tried to predict the second coming of Christ despite Jesus saying "No-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Mark 13:32). Yet for those who have no interest in His Kingdom, even though they may see the signs, they do not understand the significance of the day when Jesus will come again (Matthew 16:2-4).
So Jesus instructed the disciples to be on guard, be alert and keep watch (Mark 13:33, 35). In the same way, He expects the whole church to live each day in the expectation that He will come back at any moment. Those who do so will notice tell-tale signs just before His return. Those signs are to strengthen and encourage the believers that God is about to fulfil His promise; as Simeon was when He recognised the infant Jesus (Luke 2:25-32). Until His return we have to live by faith, and not by sight, through some dark and difficult days of misunderstanding, hostility and persecution. But we are able to bear the troubles because of our hope that our Redeemer will come, and not a day later than He has planned.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please help me to understand the times in which I live and also to look forward in hope to the second coming of Jesus Christ. When He comes, I know He will vindicate all the righteous, finally rescue all those who love Him and deal with Satan's rebellious rule. May I grow each day in longing to see Him as a part of His eternal Kingdom, without all the world's constraints. Help me to live joyfully in that hope, and to witness about His saving grace while there is still time. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Every continent and local area has seasons of hot and cold, rain and dry; and weather suitable for sowing and reaping. Farmers need a reasonable degree of certainty about these seasons so that they can decide when to invest and when to harvest. Failure of the rains, or cold at the wrong time, will make the farmer's life difficult, but if the seasons were totally haphazard, agriculture would be impossible to the point of famine.
Not only does the weather help us decide about when to sow and reap; but we can also tell which season we are in by the condition of the plants and trees. So Jesus urges that His disciples carefully assess the state of the world and rejoice when they see evidences that Christ will come again (Luke 21:28). Over the years various Christians have tried to predict the second coming of Christ despite Jesus saying "No-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Mark 13:32). Yet for those who have no interest in His Kingdom, even though they may see the signs, they do not understand the significance of the day when Jesus will come again (Matthew 16:2-4).
So Jesus instructed the disciples to be on guard, be alert and keep watch (Mark 13:33, 35). In the same way, He expects the whole church to live each day in the expectation that He will come back at any moment. Those who do so will notice tell-tale signs just before His return. Those signs are to strengthen and encourage the believers that God is about to fulfil His promise; as Simeon was when He recognised the infant Jesus (Luke 2:25-32). Until His return we have to live by faith, and not by sight, through some dark and difficult days of misunderstanding, hostility and persecution. But we are able to bear the troubles because of our hope that our Redeemer will come, and not a day later than He has planned.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please help me to understand the times in which I live and also to look forward in hope to the second coming of Jesus Christ. When He comes, I know He will vindicate all the righteous, finally rescue all those who love Him and deal with Satan's rebellious rule. May I grow each day in longing to see Him as a part of His eternal Kingdom, without all the world's constraints. Help me to live joyfully in that hope, and to witness about His saving grace while there is still time. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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