A Day of Celebration!

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away. “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.  For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him. (Luke 21: 25-37)

This are Jesus’ final words about Jerusalem’s destruction. In them we find not only a reference to the actual destruction of the temple, but according to most commentaries, also a reference about the end of times. So, this part of Jesus’ prophecy is for us as well.

Signs in the sky and the sea will terrify people on earth, and Jesus will come in a cloud with power and great glory. What for the Jews was a metaphor of Jesus’ revenge for their sin and rejection; it will be for us a reality. The Lord will return. It will be a time of redemption and joy for Christians. “When these things begin to happen look up and lift up your heads”. All injustices, all sorrows, all worries will fade away at the sight of our Savior. What for the rest of the world will be like a trap, it will be for those who believe in Christ a day of celebration!

Jesus said,“Do what farmers do, when you see the trees are budding, know that the summer is at hand” and “When you see this things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near”. His statements may seem too obvious to us,  but we people are so unwise and keep believing those who claim knowing when the world will end. My husband has a phrase that helps me to stay calm,“Don’t worry before things happen, it is a waste of time!” The Lord seems to be telling us the same, “WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THE SIGNS!”

Jesus advised us one more time not to fix our affections in this world, but stay steadfast in His will, obeying His voice, so He’ll count us worthy of His kingdom. What a joy will be hearing our Lord telling us, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’

Today’s Practice

I will make all things that pertain to my spiritual life my priority: reading the Scriptures, praying to God and sharing the Gospel. I will spend my life obeying the Word of God and serving others. I will remain faithful to my Lord until His second coming.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14: 1-3)