Luke 21
March Memory Verse: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10 NIV
Read: Luke 21
Today’s passage discusses a subject that fascinates most Christians – the End Times. The books of Revelation, 1 Thessalonians, Daniel, and Ezekiel also address this in great detail. The details found in today’s reading are also recorded in Matthew 24.
The difficulty with prophecy is that the prophet records what he sees – and although it is in sequential order, it may not occur all at the same time. This is one of the things that caused the Jews so many problems as it related to Jesus being the Messiah. Remember how many times they asked Him when He was going to destroy the current leadership and sit on the throne? Well He is – but that’s not until the 1000-year millennial reign. It was all prophesied – but it wasn’t clear to them when everything would occur. It appeared as though it should happen all at once – but that was not the case.
Today’s reading is a similar example – recorded in this passage are prophecies about what the world will be like immediately before the return of Christ, during the tribulation time, and prophecy about the second coming. It’s not real clear here – and this causes some confusion.
Here’s how I believe End Times will play out….
Read: Luke 21
Today’s passage discusses a subject that fascinates most Christians – the End Times. The books of Revelation, 1 Thessalonians, Daniel, and Ezekiel also address this in great detail. The details found in today’s reading are also recorded in Matthew 24.
The difficulty with prophecy is that the prophet records what he sees – and although it is in sequential order, it may not occur all at the same time. This is one of the things that caused the Jews so many problems as it related to Jesus being the Messiah. Remember how many times they asked Him when He was going to destroy the current leadership and sit on the throne? Well He is – but that’s not until the 1000-year millennial reign. It was all prophesied – but it wasn’t clear to them when everything would occur. It appeared as though it should happen all at once – but that was not the case.
Today’s reading is a similar example – recorded in this passage are prophecies about what the world will be like immediately before the return of Christ, during the tribulation time, and prophecy about the second coming. It’s not real clear here – and this causes some confusion.
Here’s how I believe End Times will play out….
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
What can I learn from this? How can I apply this to my life?
For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6
1. Be alert
Too many Christians live like the return of Christ is a ferry tale. Live your life like you believe Jesus is coming soon.
2. Be warning
You do realize that once Jesus comes it will be too late for your family and friends to repent and be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:11) right? You have to warn them now!
3. Be ready
Make sure you know Jesus and that you’re living a life that glorifies Him. Be ready to meet Him at any time.
How does knowing that Jesus could come at any minute motivate you to prepare?
Who do you need to warn?
By: Tim Parsons
What can I learn from this? How can I apply this to my life?
For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6
1. Be alert
Too many Christians live like the return of Christ is a ferry tale. Live your life like you believe Jesus is coming soon.
2. Be warning
You do realize that once Jesus comes it will be too late for your family and friends to repent and be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:11) right? You have to warn them now!
3. Be ready
Make sure you know Jesus and that you’re living a life that glorifies Him. Be ready to meet Him at any time.
How does knowing that Jesus could come at any minute motivate you to prepare?
Who do you need to warn?
By: Tim Parsons
16 Comments
Mike Sappingfield
My dad. Please pray for him. He once told me he wasn’t ‘ready’ to pray and accept Jesus as Lord. He thinks that all religion is the same and as long as people act in love all is good.
He and mom are visiting in June
Thanks!
Praying for Mike and your family!
I sure will Christy - I'll pray right now. Thanks for caring and sharing!
The imminency of Jesus should lead us to correct prioritization in our lives. So many things we (I'm included in the we) toil and strive over that simply don't matter in comparison. There are so many people in my life that need this message:
-Donovan Layne
-Justin Bowling
-Brent Adkins
-Jordan Belcher
-Jordan Osborne
-Zach Tackett
-Ian Cruickshank
-Steve Grene
-Houston Harvey
-Ty Riddle
And so many more
Thank you Jordan! This is SO encouraging! God will use you to reach many more people. I'm proud of you!
The most powerful verse to me of chapter 21 is verse 15; "for I will give you utterances and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute"; power to spread the good news of our Lords birth, death and resurrection. Oh how wonderful is the power of God's infallible Word!
Yes it is! Thankful for you and Pat.
A couple that I work with, Matt and Linda, and a neighbor, Scott. They have been on my heart for a while now. Inviting them to church for Easter. Praying for opportunities to share with them. Convicting passage, we really don't know when Jesus will return, so we do need to live with a sense of urgency!
Thanks Scottie. Praying for them and you right now.
Kaitlin and Khory Wheat
Sarah Scott
Damodar Pokhrel and his family
Britney Sivley
Love this that we are praying for people specifically, I know God will honor all of our efforts. I am praying for these people in my life and the ones y'all mentioned already that doors will open and they will all meet Christ. He has given me opportunities to witness, I am just praying for more and that He surrounds them with believers at work to reiterate and plant more seeds, believing He is going to save them. Thank you, God bless!
Awesome! Thanks for caring and sharing Mattie!
Great passage and reminder today! The two verses that spoke to me:
“Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (V. 28)
“But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (V. 36)
Jesus can come at any moment! We cannot become complacent with this world. A reminder to live a life of urgency and look forward to Jesus’ coming.
Praying for my parents’ and brother’s salvation: Charlie, Linda, and Henry Lam.
Thanks for being a jumpstart reader Jamie!
Two of my best friends from when I was young, Kayla Stewart and Julie Panetta.
I've lived in a different state from them for the last half of my life, but they are still so dear to my heart. Being far away makes gospel conversations much more difficult for certain reasons. While the distance between us is great, there is greater power in prayer!
Praying with you Jackie!
Praying for our daughter, Ellie. She used to be so devoted and loved Jesus. She has been hurt by many and is now seeking her own way. Please pray for her return to Jesus.