Scripture: Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV)
With so much turmoil in our world, sometimes we may question: “God where are you or why is this happening?” Hurricanes, earthquakes, wild fires and many other natural disasters — in addition to wars and acts of violence — can at times cause us to run weary and feel overwhelmed in our walk with God.
However, in times of distress and uncertainty, Jesus instructs us to “stand up and raise our heads.” Both literally and figuratively, I believe that Jesus also faced times of distress and uncertainty during his life and ministry to the point that at the Garden of Gethsemane he models the prayer of “not my will, but your will be done” and concludes his life by fulfilling the mission he was sent here to do.
He goes on to say that the life that we are currently living is only temporal; however, that we can stand on his word for truth as his “words will not pass away.” I urge you to know his word, study it and live it, for in a world that is constantly changing, you will find confidence, strength, wisdom and guidance through the Holy Scriptures.
Finally, he closes with a command to “be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength.” Prayer is simply communion with God. In this Advent season, recommit yourself to renewing your walk with God by standing up, raising your head towards him, spending time knowing his word and praying at all times that you may receive strength.
Scripture: Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV)
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”