Stay With It

Please turn to Luke 21:5-19.   On September 15, I received a text from an acquaintance.  It was a video clip.  The title told me; this man fell prey to what we are to guard against.  As you might know September 17 was, yet another falsely predicted end time. Like all others, it has come and gone.  I did not watch the video, I replied to my friend, “Don’t panic” and directed him to read Matthew 24:36.  I was disappointed that it was this wrong news instead of the Good News he chose to invest in. His text reminded me of Henny Penny; she is the one who ran around concerned that the sky was falling.   Immediately believing without evidence, she encouraged others to join in the frenzy.  Like the one who texted me, Henny Penny did not check the facts; both listening to irreputable sources.

     Like the disciples, we also need recalculating moments.  We need to be aware of where we are putting our attention and to whom we listen.  Jesus tells the disciples and us, do not be deceived.  We need to guard against deception by turning to Scripture.   We need to avoid going down a rabbit hole, instead of trusting what we know is true and turning to God’s Word to confirm.  In Matthew, Acts and Mark we are told, that no one knows except for God, and it is not for us to know when.  They are focused on the when and Jesus is asking us to be focused on the why.  

     Jesus explained that the beautiful temple would become ruins.  It appeared to mean more to the people than God did.  Maybe we find ourselves focused on things that are not of God.  We need to guard against that.  Material things are only here for a season and can cause great damage if we are not careful, but God is the constant, and it is with Him we are to remain.  

     Being a Christian is not easy.  According to Open Doors more than 380 million people faced a great level of persecution and discrimination because of their Christian faith.  As Christians, we need to stand up for what is right, speak the truth when it is easier to blend into the background, and look past what initially blinds us so we can see more clearly.  There will be trials to face because of our choice to trust in God.  There could be hated to endure, a betrayal from a loved one, and challenges to confront but believers will know eternal life.  There needs to be a commitment on our part to stick with Him and endure the tests which help define and refine us; our future depends on it. 

     Jesus encouraged the disciples to use every opportunity to give testimony – do we?  When a personal witness of God’s grace and power is shared it encourages others, strengthens the faith of the giver and receivers. and brings God glory.  Offering a testimony brings hope and moves people into action.  This continues to be something I invite you to consider…sharing how your need for Jesus transformed you, you can be monumental in the lives of others.  Jesus is telling the disciples to preach the Good News regardless of persecution because in the willingness to witness, the disciples were given with the right words, wisdom, and the ability to effectively defend.  We need to look at our troubles as opportunities to share and in doing so, we have the promise that Christ will supply the grace we need to persevere.  

     When?  And how will we know?  These are two points Jesus was speaking about…the destruction of Jerusalem and the End times.  There are tidbits revealed, but not everything.  We do not like things left unfinished and neither did the disciples.  They wanted to know the details, and they wanted more than a clue.  

     So, related to End times, this is what scripture says and what I told my friend, "…no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows."  Scripture reveals to us what we can understand.  If we need to know it, we will.  

     Jesus tells the disciples two things.  First, do not be afraid. He warns them not to be misguided, then urges them to be strong and courageous.  Secondly, they are told that they must make up their minds not to worry.  This is something many of us need to do.  Worrying is counterproductive, so let us implement strategies to help ourselves: breathe, pray, repeat scripture, and give God your burdens.  We have a choice.  As we struggle with the unknowns, the waiting, the preparation, and the directive to share the Gospel, I fittingly invite you to pray the Serenity prayer.  

     Yes, the end times are coming, we know that Jesus is coming again, that is the part of our liturgical year that will soon be upon us.  Advent, a time of waiting and preparation, knowing the Jesus came and he will come again is approaching.  Friends, this is not cause for believers to be alarmed on the contrary, this should bring contentment.  

     Jesus tells us to prepare; be ready for what the future holds.  We do this by standing firm in our faith.  The focus of these words is not on what our future holds but who holds our future.  Yes, hardships and death will come, and eternal life with our Savior is next.  And that is cause for celebration.  The good news is, the love and peace of God is available for us today and forever. Be strong. Be aware. Stand firm and rejoice! And all God’s people say, amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry

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