Word@Work Luke316 - Luke 21:32-33
Published: Fri, 03/18/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
PERMANENT TRUTH
Luke 21:32-33 "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (NIV)
When Jesus speaks, He can only say what is true; because He is the truth (John 14:6), and is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Having accurately described the horrible events that were to come only 40 years ahead (when Jerusalem would be invaded by the Romans, destroying everything including the temple), and describing the events surrounding His second coming, Jesus said, "... this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened". Those who heard Him would experience the terrible downfall of the holy city - a catastrophic event which would point to the final judgement of the unbelieving world and the final redemption of those who trusted in Jesus.
Although the earth with other planets and stars seem to be permanent, they are not! Peter, who believed the truth Jesus spoke, wrote, "By the same (God's) word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:7). On the other hand, words which seem to come and go like vapours are all recorded by God - "I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." (Matthew 12:36). But the words of Jesus are always true and will always be true - both His words of judgement to those who reject Him, and words of loving affirmation to those who welcome Him.
Although there are many voices in our world competing to be heard, seeking to influence our daily lives and claiming to predict our destiny, only Jesus is always true. The effect of His words will continue long after the earth has been remade. The truth of Jesus' words is not dependent on what humans think of them, or whether culture, national laws or religion approve of them. What He says is eternally true; the standard against which every other authority is to be measured. That is why the proclamation of His gospel is so vital. It is not just another philosophical contribution to human wisdom: it is the power of God to save people for eternity (Romans 1:16). Although many may disagree, resist and reject what Jesus says, we should remind them that He alone has the last word for the world and everybody on it, and that His word is always true.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You that in this changing world with changing values and uncertain outcomes, You are true and faithful to Your unchanging Word. When apparently permanent things are shaken, I know that Your Word stands firm for ever. Please forgive me when I have chosen only to trust what I can see and have forsaken what You say. Help me to have a greater hunger to be built up in the truth as I read Your Word and put it into practice in my lifestyle and gospel proclamation. 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
When Jesus speaks, He can only say what is true; because He is the truth (John 14:6), and is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Having accurately described the horrible events that were to come only 40 years ahead (when Jerusalem would be invaded by the Romans, destroying everything including the temple), and describing the events surrounding His second coming, Jesus said, "... this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened". Those who heard Him would experience the terrible downfall of the holy city - a catastrophic event which would point to the final judgement of the unbelieving world and the final redemption of those who trusted in Jesus.
Although the earth with other planets and stars seem to be permanent, they are not! Peter, who believed the truth Jesus spoke, wrote, "By the same (God's) word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:7). On the other hand, words which seem to come and go like vapours are all recorded by God - "I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." (Matthew 12:36). But the words of Jesus are always true and will always be true - both His words of judgement to those who reject Him, and words of loving affirmation to those who welcome Him.
Although there are many voices in our world competing to be heard, seeking to influence our daily lives and claiming to predict our destiny, only Jesus is always true. The effect of His words will continue long after the earth has been remade. The truth of Jesus' words is not dependent on what humans think of them, or whether culture, national laws or religion approve of them. What He says is eternally true; the standard against which every other authority is to be measured. That is why the proclamation of His gospel is so vital. It is not just another philosophical contribution to human wisdom: it is the power of God to save people for eternity (Romans 1:16). Although many may disagree, resist and reject what Jesus says, we should remind them that He alone has the last word for the world and everybody on it, and that His word is always true.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You that in this changing world with changing values and uncertain outcomes, You are true and faithful to Your unchanging Word. When apparently permanent things are shaken, I know that Your Word stands firm for ever. Please forgive me when I have chosen only to trust what I can see and have forsaken what You say. Help me to have a greater hunger to be built up in the truth as I read Your Word and put it into practice in my lifestyle and gospel proclamation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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