Luke 21:5-28
Until the End!
There’s nothing that gets you more inspired than a story about a hero. I’m not talking about comic books, nor anything make believe. I’m talking real life stories of people who stood in the face of great danger or need and stepped up to help and overcome. As a major World War II buff, I’ve watched and heard numerous stories about soldiers who did amazing things. Soldiers who rescued ten men while under fire. Platoon leaders that tossed the manual out the window because they knew it would get their men killed, and instead led a successful mission in spite of the consequences to their career. Men that survived the unthinkable horrors of war and won freedom for us and millions of others. As we celebrated Veterans’ day last week, we of course thank all those who have fought for this country to preserve our freedoms. But also, from their stories, perhaps we can learn an important lesson that’s been lost in our world. True glory isn’t found in making a lot of money, being the most famous person, or having the most power. True glory comes from suffering. For this is the theology of the cross. We look at Christ and are supposed to understand that his glory didn’t come from how many miracles he could perform. Christ’s glory didn’t come from his heavenly power or might. No, Christ’s glory came from the cross. It came from his suffering and dying for us that we might be free. So too, is it the same for Christians now. Everything good that we find comes through suffering, not power, or might, or wealth, or fame.
In our Gospel lesson this week, Jesus warns us of all the evil and suffering that awaits us in the end of days. While it may not sound pleasant, we’re to understand as Christians how God is working our good through it. Thus, as we witness such calamities in our world, let us learn:
IN THE MIDST OF EARTH’S DESTRUCTION, LET US WITNESS TO OUR REDEMPTION IN CHRIST!
I.
Out of everything Jesus tells us this week, we’re really to understand it as a giant “Beware!” sign. “Beware of dog!” “Beware, High Voltage!” “Beware, bridge out ahead!” It’s a warning of the danger and suffering that awaits us on the horizon. But what is the purpose of such signs? Is it to scare you? No... It’s to alert you to danger so you know better how to navigate your way. Just as Jesus said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once,” Luke 21:8-9. In these end times, there’ll be no shortage of challenges to your faith. There’s going to be no shortage of dangers that Satan will toss your way to try to make you stumble and fall away from faith. For let us understand that the end days are now. This time between Christ’s ascension into heaven and his second coming. Satan roams our earth seeking those whom he can devour. So, beware!
But let us understand that these temptations and challenges aren’t just external. The reason why all this is bound to happen isn’t just because of Satan, but because of us. It’s because sin is in our world, clinging so closely to our flesh. Hence, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,” Luke 21:10. By our sin, we turn on one another. Let it not be so! This is why we must be on our guard. Even as Jesus continues, “But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness,” Luke 21:12-13. Our earthly allegiances will be put to the test. For shall we serve and obey God, or serve and obey man? Shall we turn our fellow brothers and sisters in to save our own flesh, or shall we as the Church be willing to suffer together for the sake of Jesus’ name? For this is what Jesus means when he says this will be our opportunity to witness. When everything is falling apart, when people turn against one another, we’ll have a unique opportunity to stand firm upon God’s name, to speak of his mercy and grace, of the hope that he has given us... even unto death.
II.
The more Earth continues to fall into destruction, the more we hear of wars and rumors of wars, the more this world slips deeper into sin and its shame, the closer we are to our redemption in Christ! It’s the backwards way that God works among us. Yes, it’s through suffering, through enduring the trials and temptations of our flesh in this world that we shall see the glory of God’s almighty kingdom. For the destruction of our world means the kingdom of God is breaking into our midst to bring to an end the reign of Satan, of sin, and above all, the reign of death. As Jesus says, “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives,” Luke 21:17-19. As our world falls apart, Christ is upholding and sustaining you by faith so not even one hair of your head shall fall into the depths of hell.
For this is our witness and the hope that we have in this life. We have hope because Jesus has come in our flesh. He became as we are, yet without sin. And God made him to be sin for us, laid upon him the sins of the world so that he may suffer in our place. Yes, Jesus didn’t come with legions upon legions of angels to conquer the world. He came in meekness so that by his suffering and death, he may save even you and me! So, let us witness to our world that it’s through Christ’s suffering that we find peace. It’s through Christ’s meekness that we see strength. It’s through Christ’s death that we find life eternal! And so, it is for us. We overcome our world not with weapons of war, but by the Word of God. In our weakness, we experience the almighty strength of God in his mercy and grace. In our suffering, we find eternal peace. And in our death, we walk through the gates of heaven unto eternal life! Thus, we understand that in this life we must suffer because of sin. But our time of suffering won’t last forever. As Jesus said, “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near,” Luke 21:27-28.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us evermore boldly confess Christ through our life and our words that we may witness to a world falling apart of the power of Christ’s death for us. Let us beware of the struggles we face ahead so that we may not go astray, but follow Christ on the path to eternal life! For Christ is standing at the very gates that he may welcome you into his kingdom that has no end! In Jesus’ name! Amen!