END TIMES FORETOLD
SCRIPTURE LUKE 21:5-11
the destruction of the temple foretold.
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, all that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down….
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the scriptures are fulfilled.” (LK 21:20)
…Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’* Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.
Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
REFLECTION
Jesus may be speaking of end times for Jerusalem or end times at the end of the world or both. It doesn’t matter. As long as we are right with God.
We will be lifted up into the glory of the Resurrection on the last day as long as we persevere in what Micah the prophet in God’s name foretold, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
SCRIPTURE LUKE 21:12-19
the coming persecution.
“Before all this happens,* however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony.
You are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
REFLECTION
Before all the natural disasters come, Jesus warns His disciples they will be persecuted for following His Way, Truth, and Life. Can we expect anything less in this secular world of ours today that deems us the enemy to their sinful ways and their moral relativism that justifies sin in light of God’s holy commandments?
God’s ways and the world ways are in supernatural conflict. The devil with his minions roam about this world to see whom they can devour. All that stand in their way is Christ Crucified! It is no wonder that Satan invaded and infected Shepherds of the Church, what better way to mislead, misinform, and scandalize the flock. Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves! Matthew 7:15
Jesus tells His disciples though, “not a hair on your head will be destroyed, by your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Once again, our salvation rests in our perseverance. Let us be imitators of St. Paul,, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
SCRIPTURE LUKE 21:25-28
the coming of the son of man.
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens* will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
REFLECTION
All the powers of heaven will be shaken, with the coming of the New Creation, the New Jerusalem. Lift up our heads high and give glory to the majesty of God and the glorious redemption of His Son Jesus, Savior and Lord, who comes to judge the living and the dead. Have mercy on us Lord for we are sinners and undeserving of such Love and Mercy. Save us Savior of the World!
THIS COMPLETES MY GOSPEL OF LUKE BLOG. CHAPTERS 22, 23, AND 24 OF LUKE’S GOSPEL ARE COVERED UNDER THE CATEGORY HOLY WEEK IN THE ARCHIVES ON THIS BLOG SITE TCB