Luke 21:25-36. No doom and gloom!! 29/11/09
(25) "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. {26} Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. {27} At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. {28} When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." {29} He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. {30} When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. {31} Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. {32} "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. {33} Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. {34} "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. {35} For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. {36} 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."
Today we are encouraged to look to the future; and to look to it with confidence even though we are aware, and need to be aware, of many difficulties along the way. We are to face what is in front of us with heads held high, and to do this even when, and especially when, we are surrounded by great turmoil and trouble.
Now looking to the future has always played an important role in peoples lives. What we do and how we cope is determined largely by what we see the future has in store for us. And in many ways our attitudes to, and our actions, are the results of our perception of what the future is going to be.
So with that in mind – what are our attitudes and actions saying about our perception of the future? Well many today are thinking and acting negatively – because they see the future as one of doom and gloom. Others again are going forward full of bravado – because they see a future where their money, technology and connections will give them the pleasures they want in life. Others seem to have their feet firmly planted on the ground, recognising that life is full of challenges, difficulties and tragedies, and yet they still go forward with hope and confidence. For all of them – it is their perception of future that is determining their attitudes and actions.
Now with that in mind, our reading has a message that will hopefully help us all to re-evaluate what the future in reality has in store for us, and so enable us to think and act with cautious confidence. Here in Advent we are reminded again of Christ’s coming: both his coming into our world as a little baby to live, suffer, die and rise again for our salvation; as well as his coming again on the last day to take us who believe in Him to eternal joy in heaven. And it is this coming of Jesus in both forms that should surely give us a different outlook as to the future than what many today have. And therefore also give us a confident way to think and act as we live out our lives every day in a world that we know will be difficult.
But it seems however, that far too often today, we are not looking at that future and what God has in mind. Instead, we have dropped our eyes and blurred our vision, by looking where the rest of world is looking. The furtherest we see is the poor economic situation; the declining morality and crime rate; as well as the corruption and selfishness that we are seeing all around us. Loneliness, rejection, sickness and frailty are considered to be the only future that there is. So we loose it, as we live out our daily lives. We struggle to live from day to day. We blot out thinking about it with busy-ness, drunkenness and a desire to live it up for the moment. We try to live in a fool’s paradise.
However, thankfully, God gave us this reading, along with many others, and so pulls our thinking back into line with a far more positive future, even though reminding us that there will be great difficulties along the way. Here he reminds us that even nature itself will show turmoil and unusual events, and that many people will be distressed and greatly so: that yes, it will even get worse before the end comes. In fact, Jesus says here that we haven’t seen anything yet: for there is a time coming when things will really fall apart and that the earth itself will even pass away.
So on the one hand, we are to be realistic about life and the future as we look at the world around us: all these things will take place: life will be difficult; in fact very difficult: What we see around us will not go on forever and ever, nor will it improve more and more as many would like to think. Nor is it going to get any better as we get smarter and smarter; richer and richer. We will not evolve into a better future here on this earth. In fact, it will all fall apart at the seams and then the end will come.
And if we look realistically at what is going on, we can see that this is very much happening around us. But that should not surprise us – if we think we can ignore God – it is inevitable. But above all, God tells us it has to happen before the end comes: in fact, it must happen.
But at the same time, we need not despair. There is no need to be afraid: Because these things happening are a sign: a sign, that something far better is not far off: The Son of Man is coming in all his glory. And for those of us who believe in him – the kingdom of God in all its greatness is about to be revealed to us. In fact, it will come because it already has come: Because Jesus has come into our world; and lived, died and rose again: and we now have forgiveness of sins and the assurance of life and salvation. At our baptism we were joined to Jesus Christ himself and all that he has done for us, and so we are assured that it will all work out for us personally. He has already accepted us as his very own.
That being the case, we know that on the Last Day he will take us to himself in all eternity: so there is nothing in all creation: trouble, tragedies and all, nothing will separate us from his love. So even when this world falls apart – there is something infinitely better awaiting us in and with our Lord and Saviour. So there is no need to despair or be afraid. We can face the future, and face it confidently: because with Jesus Christ we have everything that ensures a positive future. He promises it all and has made it all possible; even though we may not always be able to see it or understand it.
That is why he tells us to be on our guard. So that we do not become too preoccupied with eating, drinking and being merry: or too worried and uptight about all that is wrong and bad. He tells us to watch and pray because we do not know the day or the hour, or else we might get caught off guard and so loose out when the Lord returns. And that is the real danger for all those who become lax in this area: when they let their worship and devotional life slip, thinking that they still have time to make it all up later on – tomorrow.
The thing is; when we get caught up looking to and following what the world sees as important: money, sport, a social life and the like. When these things take precedence; or when we look only at the problems and hardships around us, that is when we do worry and despair – we blame God when things don’t go the way we think is right; and that is when we forget our Lord and think that he is not there or that he doesn’t care. And they are the danger signs. And they are the things that are beginning to abound in our community; and if we are honest with ourselves, we know too that we are falling into these temptations.
So we must be on our guard – we must lift our heads. The Day of the Lord’s coming will be sudden. He will come suddenly and as unexpectedly as a car accident or a heart attack: and there won’t be time to think about it, decide, or change our attitude and thinking. Today – now, we are to watch and pray: Now we are to lift our heads and look to the Lord Jesus and trust in him and the forgiveness, life and salvation that he makes available. Now we are to pray for and seek the strength, assurance, peace and power that comes from Christ alone; in order that we can stand firm in the midst of all that is and will take place in the world around us.
Now is the time to take it all seriously. Now we can face the future full of confidence: confidence not in ourselves and what we see around us and what our society sees as important; but in Jesus Christ and his coming to us. We can lift our heads and face what each day has to bring; knowing that there is something more – something far better ahead.
So now and always, let us remember that heaven and earth will pass away, but this Word of God will never pass away. Let us be on our guard – watch and pray, as we approach the day of the Lord Jesus Christ and his coming. Stand firm and confident in him, for he truly is our Lord and saviour, now and always. AMEN.
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish
(25) "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. {26} Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. {27} At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. {28} When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." {29} He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. {30} When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. {31} Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. {32} "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. {33} Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. {34} "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. {35} For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. {36} 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."
Today we are encouraged to look to the future; and to look to it with confidence even though we are aware, and need to be aware, of many difficulties along the way. We are to face what is in front of us with heads held high, and to do this even when, and especially when, we are surrounded by great turmoil and trouble.
Now looking to the future has always played an important role in peoples lives. What we do and how we cope is determined largely by what we see the future has in store for us. And in many ways our attitudes to, and our actions, are the results of our perception of what the future is going to be.
So with that in mind – what are our attitudes and actions saying about our perception of the future? Well many today are thinking and acting negatively – because they see the future as one of doom and gloom. Others again are going forward full of bravado – because they see a future where their money, technology and connections will give them the pleasures they want in life. Others seem to have their feet firmly planted on the ground, recognising that life is full of challenges, difficulties and tragedies, and yet they still go forward with hope and confidence. For all of them – it is their perception of future that is determining their attitudes and actions.
Now with that in mind, our reading has a message that will hopefully help us all to re-evaluate what the future in reality has in store for us, and so enable us to think and act with cautious confidence. Here in Advent we are reminded again of Christ’s coming: both his coming into our world as a little baby to live, suffer, die and rise again for our salvation; as well as his coming again on the last day to take us who believe in Him to eternal joy in heaven. And it is this coming of Jesus in both forms that should surely give us a different outlook as to the future than what many today have. And therefore also give us a confident way to think and act as we live out our lives every day in a world that we know will be difficult.
But it seems however, that far too often today, we are not looking at that future and what God has in mind. Instead, we have dropped our eyes and blurred our vision, by looking where the rest of world is looking. The furtherest we see is the poor economic situation; the declining morality and crime rate; as well as the corruption and selfishness that we are seeing all around us. Loneliness, rejection, sickness and frailty are considered to be the only future that there is. So we loose it, as we live out our daily lives. We struggle to live from day to day. We blot out thinking about it with busy-ness, drunkenness and a desire to live it up for the moment. We try to live in a fool’s paradise.
However, thankfully, God gave us this reading, along with many others, and so pulls our thinking back into line with a far more positive future, even though reminding us that there will be great difficulties along the way. Here he reminds us that even nature itself will show turmoil and unusual events, and that many people will be distressed and greatly so: that yes, it will even get worse before the end comes. In fact, Jesus says here that we haven’t seen anything yet: for there is a time coming when things will really fall apart and that the earth itself will even pass away.
So on the one hand, we are to be realistic about life and the future as we look at the world around us: all these things will take place: life will be difficult; in fact very difficult: What we see around us will not go on forever and ever, nor will it improve more and more as many would like to think. Nor is it going to get any better as we get smarter and smarter; richer and richer. We will not evolve into a better future here on this earth. In fact, it will all fall apart at the seams and then the end will come.
And if we look realistically at what is going on, we can see that this is very much happening around us. But that should not surprise us – if we think we can ignore God – it is inevitable. But above all, God tells us it has to happen before the end comes: in fact, it must happen.
But at the same time, we need not despair. There is no need to be afraid: Because these things happening are a sign: a sign, that something far better is not far off: The Son of Man is coming in all his glory. And for those of us who believe in him – the kingdom of God in all its greatness is about to be revealed to us. In fact, it will come because it already has come: Because Jesus has come into our world; and lived, died and rose again: and we now have forgiveness of sins and the assurance of life and salvation. At our baptism we were joined to Jesus Christ himself and all that he has done for us, and so we are assured that it will all work out for us personally. He has already accepted us as his very own.
That being the case, we know that on the Last Day he will take us to himself in all eternity: so there is nothing in all creation: trouble, tragedies and all, nothing will separate us from his love. So even when this world falls apart – there is something infinitely better awaiting us in and with our Lord and Saviour. So there is no need to despair or be afraid. We can face the future, and face it confidently: because with Jesus Christ we have everything that ensures a positive future. He promises it all and has made it all possible; even though we may not always be able to see it or understand it.
That is why he tells us to be on our guard. So that we do not become too preoccupied with eating, drinking and being merry: or too worried and uptight about all that is wrong and bad. He tells us to watch and pray because we do not know the day or the hour, or else we might get caught off guard and so loose out when the Lord returns. And that is the real danger for all those who become lax in this area: when they let their worship and devotional life slip, thinking that they still have time to make it all up later on – tomorrow.
The thing is; when we get caught up looking to and following what the world sees as important: money, sport, a social life and the like. When these things take precedence; or when we look only at the problems and hardships around us, that is when we do worry and despair – we blame God when things don’t go the way we think is right; and that is when we forget our Lord and think that he is not there or that he doesn’t care. And they are the danger signs. And they are the things that are beginning to abound in our community; and if we are honest with ourselves, we know too that we are falling into these temptations.
So we must be on our guard – we must lift our heads. The Day of the Lord’s coming will be sudden. He will come suddenly and as unexpectedly as a car accident or a heart attack: and there won’t be time to think about it, decide, or change our attitude and thinking. Today – now, we are to watch and pray: Now we are to lift our heads and look to the Lord Jesus and trust in him and the forgiveness, life and salvation that he makes available. Now we are to pray for and seek the strength, assurance, peace and power that comes from Christ alone; in order that we can stand firm in the midst of all that is and will take place in the world around us.
Now is the time to take it all seriously. Now we can face the future full of confidence: confidence not in ourselves and what we see around us and what our society sees as important; but in Jesus Christ and his coming to us. We can lift our heads and face what each day has to bring; knowing that there is something more – something far better ahead.
So now and always, let us remember that heaven and earth will pass away, but this Word of God will never pass away. Let us be on our guard – watch and pray, as we approach the day of the Lord Jesus Christ and his coming. Stand firm and confident in him, for he truly is our Lord and saviour, now and always. AMEN.
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish
posted by Roger at
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