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During the last week of His earthly life, Christ was asked for an explanation of end times. His disciples were questioning what to look for, and as ever, He was completely honest for both their benefit and ours.
As Billy Graham once stated, "The Bible tells us that the state of the world will grow darker as we near the end of the age." In Luke 21:5-38 we read how Christ answered His disciples. Verses ten through nineteen are deeply personal, with Christ using the word "you" twelve times. He warned the disciples about false messiahs, wars, international conflicts, famines, pestilences, persecutions, betrayal, hatred of believers, and the Temple's and Jerusalem's destruction. Christ warned the disciples specifically so that the challenging, uncertain times would not overtake them unawares.
Christ then moves into a more general warning for believers after the disciples are gone. The challenging litany of problems continues from verses 25-28. "There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars," and on earth, along with the rolling, "roaring" seas. All of heaven will be "shaken" (vs. 25, 26 NIV). Along with the physical signs, humankind will be overcome with anxiety, fear, and perplexity. This will be a dreadful time of emotional, physical, and spiritual turmoil.
This passage is as up-to-date as this newspaper and today's headlines! Anxiety and fear are worldwide mental health crises. Jesus did not just share the bad news, however. He gave the disciples and all believers through the ages hopeful encouragement in how to deal with these crises. In this passage, we read that Jesus said to keep settled minds. God will give His words when Christians testify about Him. Understanding God's wisdom will help us remain victorious. Jesus said, in verse 33, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Realize believers' souls will both endure and persevere. Stay awake; pray. Straighten up; redemption and God's Kingdom are close! Watch; don't be drawn away through drunkenness and cares of this life. Pray for strength to stand unashamed before Jesus. Jesus promises, "I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world" (John 16:33 NCV).
The ultimate conclusion to all of this end-time drama is the reappearance of Jesus Himself. Believers will experience joy beyond description as they will never again be separated from the Savior. As Bill Gaither sings in the song, "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow" (Gaither, Gaither, Damico).
Lent is here; read or listen to the Gospels, and see the life map that God lovingly provided for us.
Rebecca Logan, retired UPMC chaplain, member of Lycoming Valley Baptist Church