Luke 21:5-38

We are quite often obsessed with the future. Whether we try to figure it out, or plan it out for ourselves - we are obsessed.

As Christians we know about one thing for sure: the second coming. We know that in our future, whether we are alive or not there will be a day when Jesus will come again. Yet sometimes we are embarrassed to talk about it! It has quite a bed reputation surrounding it.

No matter your views on how it will happen, we can be sure that God will fulfill everything He has said in His word.

Signs to look for

In verses 10 & 20 Jesus gives some pretty specific signs. Yet those were about an event that happened ~40 years later where the Romans sacked and destroyed Jerusalem. But Jesus points to more than just one event. He goes on to talk about some cosmic signs - stars and planets being shaken. Signs of a bigger event when He will come again.

What does that mean for us?

It is clear there is nothing we can do to know when this will be, but Jesus gives us some tips on how to be ready.

Stand Firm

Jesus says we need to stand firm - to not give way. Part of this is not speculating. We aren't to see the signs and immediately think: "The end is here!". These signs have been ongoing since Jesus spoke about them! If Jesus says that noone knows, then noone knows!

The reality of the end times is that they will be tough. There will be opposition and persecution, at an establishment level and a personal level. Yet we are to not give in. If we expect it to be difficult, then it will be easier to stand firm. Don't be surprised when we live in a society that is hostile towards Christians.

It is more than just standing firm, it is speaking out our faith and sharing the good news

Stand Up (Lift up your head)

The whole world will be in chaos at the end times. It will be easy to be scared and to hide. Jesus says that we should know that this is the day we have been hoping for. So we can stand up, lift up our heads and not be afraid. We are not driven by fear but by hope. In the darkest times remember that hope.

But in the end it’s only a passing thing, this shadow; even darkness must pass.

JRR Tolkein, The Return of the King

Stand Before

Ultimately all of this leads to the moment when we will stand before Jesus. Are you ready to do that? As we are, none of us can do such a thing. Yet shortly after saying these words, Jesus went and He stood before a judge and was sentenced to death, and died. Died and went through hell so that when that day does come, we can stand confidently.