judgment and redemption

Good morning friends,
Jesus continues his description of the trouble that will mark the approach of the end of history. The description of Jerusalem's fall has a lot of similarities to the warnings of the Old Testament prophets when they described what would happen to Jerusalem. He talks about the military defeat and destruction of the city and he talks about how the people will be scattered in exile. Specifically, his quote about the Son of Man coming in the clouds comes from a vision of the prophet Daniel as does the idea that "Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."

These times will be terrifying and he warns the disciples to flee from Judea. At the same time, he tells them to "raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Even though the judgment will be terrifying for everyone, for those God has called the coming of God's kingdom is something to look forward to. We still look forward to that day when Christ will come and make everything right. We know that we will face danger and persecution, but we also know that God is with us as we minister. In everything we seek to put our trust in God.

God bless,
Sam

Luke 21:20-28

20“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; 22for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. 23Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; 24they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25“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.”