TOPIC: RIGHT ATTITUDE TO JESUS RETURN
Read: Luke 21:25-38
Luke 21:25 – 38 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.
People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
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.”
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.
“Truly I tell you, 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.
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.
For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth.
Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives,
And all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
MEMORISE: Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. (Luke 21:34)
EXPOSITION
The various events associated with the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ are many, dreadful, dangerous and universal. They are meant to happen and be seen both in heaven and on earth, with devastating effects on the inhabitants. These things are variously described in today’s devotional text as signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. (v.25), so much that men’s heart will fail them, given those things that would befall the earth (v.26). No time do we (inhabitants) of the earth need the right attitude to Jesus return than today which is the World Habitat Day.
In all these, Christians are advised to, with divine assurance, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (v.28). This is to tell us to cheer up and not be discouraged, neither should we doubt our salvation or God’s ability to deliver us and bring His promises concerning our eternal destinies to reality. It is the Lord at work!
It is telling us about those that will see these events unfold to prepare to leave the anti-Christ territory for our heavenly Canaan land. Thus we are equally told to Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. (v.34).
A lot is going in the heavenlies, and the earth is at the receiving end. He is to reign, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ, until ALL His enemies are made His footstool. Then the end will come. We have our parts to play in it all.
We must be strong and disciplined that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”(v.36). Be ready! No one will get to heaven by chance, or accidentally. Be converted, convinced and prepared. May God help you today and always. Amen.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank God for His sure promises to keep us to the end.
2. Pray for the power of self-discipline through the Holy Spirit to keep you from all personal ungodly Indulgences.
3. Pray to be counted worthy to escape all the evils and temptations of the end-time, and to stand before the Lord in the end, in Jesus name.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Song of Solomon 1:1 – 5:2, Ephesians 1:11 – 2:9