Tag: Luke 21
Standing before Jesus
Scripture reading for April 1: Luke 21
“So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away. But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may be able to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:31-36
Jesus was preparing His disciples for His soon departure and their need to trust in His never-changing Word. The heavens and earth would ultimately pass away in the coming judgment. As the day of Christ approached, care and watchfulness should mark the lives of disciples. They would be prepared because they believed God’s Word and understood the signs that had been foretold by Jesus and the prophets. Believers would not allow their hearts to be seduced by false teaching or the cares of this life. They would be in prayer and communion with their Lord awaiting His return and doing His will of spreading the Gospel and living a life that reflected His love and care.
This verse in Luke’s Gospel is foundational for our biblical world view. If we allow, our senses and our old sin nature will lead us to deception and lull us to drowsiness and cause our downfall. We must renew our minds with the Truth in the eternal Word of God each day and pray to God for strength to stand. When we see the signs of wars, famines, earthquakes and love growing cold among former believers, our discernment through the Holy Spirit and Word of God will keep us from the trap that will catch many living without God in their perspective.
As you check your own world view, is it based on the truth that heaven and earth will pass away but God’s Word is eternal? How would you evaluate your load of cares and any addictions or habits that weigh you down? Are there any steps needed to improve your ability to stand before Jesus when He arrives?
Prayer: Father God, it is my desire to stand before You without fear because of trusting in Jesus Christ for mercy and forgiveness. Help me to improve my prayer life and increase my faith as I read and apply Your eternal Word. I stand with You that none should perish but all would be saved and know Truth. Amen.
Don’t worry!
Scripture reading for March 31st: Luke 21
Key scriptures for over-comers: Luke 21:12-15 “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of My name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”
Jesus was very plain in instructing His disciples what would happen to them before the end of the age and His return. Things would get tough for His followers and they would suffer on account of bearing His name. This persecution would bring opportunity to be witnesses to some of the world’s most important people. Jesus emphasized that they should not worry about how to defend themselves. He would give them the words that they needed in their hour of need! This would not guarantee physical deliverance, however. Some would be hated and others put to death. but “not a hair of your head will perish.” (Luke 21:18)
Observations for over-comers: A daily walk of faith in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit will enable all God’s people to stand firm and be the witnesses Christ desires to the lost of this world. “For the Lord is just and will not forsake His faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” (Psalms 37:28-29)
Widow’s mite
Scripture reading for April 1st: Luke 21
“As He looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:1-4)
Many people wonder if God knows about their giving. But I find it interesting that Jesus was watching people put their money into the offering box. He does know what we give and our motives for giving.
As Jesus watched, He offered some insight about those who gave that day. He saw the rich giving out of their wealth. It was not bad that they were giving and Jesus never condemned them for doing that. But whatever the amount they gave, they still had plenty left over to live on. They really did not need to have ‘faith’ that God would meet their needs. As a percentage, it may have been ten percent or more, but the ninety percent that they had left was left for their use.
Jesus then noted the poor widow who came and placed two small copper coins in the offering. He marveled at her generosity, knowing that she had just given all she had to honor the Lord. His estimate was that she had given more than all the rest! They had give out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty and desperate need for God’s supply.
God’s eyes are on our giving and He keeps careful records. He always honors faith! Some give out of abundance, others out of need and in faith. Which are you?