There are four, different sermons on this page...
Year C Advent 1 - 2/12/12 Luke 21:25-36
Jeremiah 33:14 " `The days are coming,' declares the LORD,`when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. 15 " `In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.'
I Thess. 3:9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Luke 21:25 "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 29 He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
This week we have seen the devastating effects of the flooding. This has included the terrace of houses in Whitby, where a landslide suddenly took away their gardens. The residents had minutes to remove a few valued personal possessions before their homes were condemned as unsafe.
This Tuesday I attended a conference in Welwyn Garden City about emergency planning and faith communities. One of the problems that people dealing with emergencies have to deal with is people being unprepared to evacuate their property at short notice. They said that it is not unusual to find an elderly evacuee informing them at 11 pm that they need to take their tablet. When questioned, they have not brought any tablets and only remember that they are blue!
In contrast, the man who works for North Herts Council dealing with emergencies carries a list with him of things he will need to grab if he is evacuated. If you are thinking, "it will never happen to me", just a fire in a neighbouring property can make your home uninhabitable for a period of time. We were given a description of a fire in Welwyn Garden City that had required evacuation of people from their homes that had heat damaged with melted double glazed windows.
Today is the first day of Advent, which means "coming". Christians use this time to prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus to earth as a baby over 2,00 years ago. We also use this time to remind ourselves that we should be prepared for the second coming of Jesus. This was mentioned in our gospel and epistle readings today.
How should we be ready?
1) Know that Jesus will return & how.
The solar system will creak and groan. cf Matthew's gospel says more. Sun, moon, stars and the sea will signal the imminent return of Jesus.
He will ride the clouds like a god but is a human figure 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Jesus will return. This is the only major prophecy in the Bible that has yet to take place. Even though it is nearly 2,000 years since Jesus spoke these words he said 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
2) Be confident that God's rule is coming. 28,36
God's rule was seen in the life and work of Jesus Christ. This brought in a new age where God's people can experience some of the blessings of living under his rule. For example, the love, joy, peace and forgiveness of God, answered prayer, & the fellowship of other believers. We live in this "in between" age now. But, there is so much more to come.
28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Our epistle included 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
We need to understand what it is to be righteous, blameless and holy, they are all linked. This is about being in a right relationship with God and with other human beings. In the Bible it is more about relationship than the right behaviour which should flow from our relationship with God the Father through Jesus by the work of the Holy Spirit.
God is righteous in that he always acts in the right way. In contrast we often fail to live life according to God’s perfect standard, which is to love him wholeheartedly all of the time and to love other people as we love ourselves. This spoils our relationship with God.
God seeks to maintain a right relationship with people. Two ways in which he does this that we observe in the Bible is through judgement and in deliverance.
In the Old Testament God delivered his people from the slavery in Egypt. In the New Testament he delivers people from the slavery of sin.
We cannot be good enough for God which is why he sent Jesus to earth. Jesus always followed God’s will and never sinned ( Hebrews 4:15 ). This led to him going to the cross, which was God’s rescue plan for the world! On the cross Jesus not only sacrificed his body, but he sacrificed his right relationship with God by voluntarily taking upon himself the punishment for the sins of the world, which was separation from God. We know God accepted Jesus' sacrifice because He raised Him from the dead, He is alive today, and we can know Him.
This frees Christians to follow God and be righteous, blameless, holy before God.
3) Be watchful & praying,
36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
We are to be alert. We are also to pray looking to God to deliver us from the terrible things that will happen on earth when Jesus returns. So that we may stand before him. He will judge people as to how they have responded to Him. As we have just seen, those who have accepted him and know Him will be declared righteous, blameless and holy, through what Jesus has done fro them. Those who have not accepted Jesus will bear the consequences for their own sin, which is separation from God forever.
Some will be unaware and be unable to cope...
Do not be overcome by worry or drunkenness, which will blind people to what is happening v34
34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap
We live in an age that uses alcohol to get through life. Ways of addressing this have been considered this week, especially. The best way to combat drink is not the wallet but the heart. For people's hearts to be given over to Jesus so they do not need drink. This is one of the cornerstones of the success of The Living Room, in Stevenage, which helps people with addictions.
The message for today is to give your heart wholeheartedly over to Jesus. Be ready and confident that he will return. When he does, keep watching and praying and following him, because something much better is coming.
13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Year C Advent 1 29/11/09 Luke 21:25-36
Jeremiah 33:14 " `The days are coming,' declares the LORD,`when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. 15 " `In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.'
I Thess. 3:9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Luke 21:25 "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 29 He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Happy New year! cf. Tax year from 6/4. School year, from early September. Now in Advent start of new church year. Year C in the Common Lectionary cycle.
What does Advent mean to you? It means "coming". Perhaps you think it heralds the serious start to the run in to Christmas. Only three more Sundays to go! Are you ready? How does that make you feel? Panicky? You haven't ordered the turkey, bought all your presents or cards or food or drink...
In Advent we remember the first coming of Jesus on that first Christmas. We also remember his promised second coming, mentioned in today's gospel and Epistle.
In today's Old Testament reading Jeremiah mentions righteousness twice. Once when referring to Jesus, even though Jeremiah lived about 600 years before the birth of Jesus! He described him as "a righteous Branch... from David's line" verse 15. Jesus, of course, was a descendent of David.
He then goes on to speak of Jerusalem, the place where God's people live, as "The Lord our righteousness". This looks forward to a time when God's people will be righteous because God has made them righteous.
We need to understand what it is to be "righteous". It is to be in a right relationship with God and with other human beings.
God is righteous in that he always acts in the right way. In contrast we often fail to live life according to God's perfect standard, which is to love him wholeheartedly all of the time and to love other people as we love ourselves. This spoils our relationship with God.
God seeks to maintain a right relationship with people. In the Bible we see two ways in which he does this, in judgement and in deliverance.
We cannot be good enough for God which is why he sent Jesus to earth. Jesus always followed God's will and never sinned ( Hebrews 4:15 ). This led to him going to the cross, which was God's rescue plan for the world! On the cross Jesus not only sacrificed his body, but he sacrificed his right relationship with God by voluntarily taking upon himself the punishment for the sins of the world, which was separation from God.
1 Peter 3: 18 "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,"
Jesus offers us his righteousness in the place of our unrighteousness. He swaps places with us. So God no longer sees me in my sinfulness, but he sees Jesus Christ the righteous one instead. All we need to do is to respond by trusting in him, which is, itself a gift from God. We are made spiritually alive by the work of the Holy Spirit.
The message from today's gospel is how we should express that trust. By being ready for the return of Jesus, and looking forward to it with great confidence and joy.
Jesus says that there are two ways to live.
Some will be frightened. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. People will be too concerned with living their lives to excess or will be worried. 34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.
In contrast the believer is to welcome what is coming, trusting in God. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
The believer is also to pray and watch out for the signs that will precede and accompany Jesus' return. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
The picture of standing before the Son of Man is of the believer standing before Jesus clothed in his righteousness. In 1 Thessalonians Paul encourages the believers there in a similar way by praying for them... 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
We should be preparing for this by living lives now that are devoted to worshipping and serving God. This will involve us giving ourselves completely to God in everything that we think, do, and say everyday. God will help us to do this by His Spirit living within us.
I questioned you earlier as to how ready you are for Christmas. This may have worried you. But, if you forgot something at Christmas this might inconvenience you for a short time but it would soon be forgotten. It is much more important that we are ready for the return of Jesus. The response we make will affect our eternity.
Will we obey God?
Will we be loving, as Paul encouraged the Thessalonian Christians to be?
Will we concentrate on what is happening leading to fear.
Will we focus on the temporary things of this life.
Or will we be alert, prayerful, and welcome the return of Jesus?
In this Advent period let us be more ready for Christ, than for Christ-mas.
PRAY : 1 Thess. 3:13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones
Year C Advent 1 3/12/06 Luke 21:25-36
Luke 21:25 "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 29 He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Happy New year! cf. Tax year from 6/4. School year, from early September. Now in Advent start of new church year. Year C in the Common Lectionary cycle.
What does Advent mean to you? It means "coming". Perhaps you think it heralds the serious start to the run in to Christmas. Only three more Sundays to go! How does that make you feel? Panicky? You haven't ordered the turkey, bought all your presents or cards or food or drink...
In Advent we remember the first coming of Jesus on that first Christmas. We also remember his promised second coming, mentioned in today's gospel and Epistle.
Today's gospel and epistle reminds us that there is something else, much more important than being "ready" for Christmas and producing perfect food, drink and presents. Being ready for Jesus' return.
On that day all that we see and tend to trust and believe in as human beings will be shown to be temporary. The cosmos will be in turbulence v.26b, "heavenly bodies will be shaken.
Verse 25: "On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea."
In contrast Jesus will be seen in great power and glory by everyone as he comes in a cloud to bring about God's eternal kingdom.
Jesus words illustrate this, v.33, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
There will be different reactions to what will happen;
1] Some will be fearful, verse 26.
2] Some will be overcome by drunkenness and the headaches and nausea that this produces, verse 34a.
3] Some will be worried about the life, verse 34b. Jesus warned how this can hinder people's spiritual growth in the parable of the soils. Mark 4:19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Jesus warns his followers to be ready. How should they be ready?
Verse 34 tells us:
"Be always of the watch". Be prepared! Be aware that Jesus could come anytime.
Also verse 34 tells us to "pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." On that day everyone will have to come before Jesus who will judge them on their response to him. So we need to pray for God's undeserved favour to be real in our lives so Jesus would welcome us as his own. This is linked to verse 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." On that day believers will not need to fear or faint but look up to see Jesus and look forward to the climax of their redemption. Christ has already redeemed people, or paid the price for their sin, on the cross. Christ, when he returns will give people new, perfect resurrection bodies and a life that no longer involves sin, sickness, death, mourning, suffering. Instead believers will be united with one another and God in worship and service of him.
We should be preparing for this by living lives now that are devoted to worshipping and serving him. This will involve us giving ourselves completely to God in everything that we think, do, and say everyday. God will help us to do this by His Spirit living within us.
In this Advent period let us be more ready for Christ, than for Christ-mas.
1 Thess. 3:13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Advent 1 3/12/00 6 p.m. Luke 21:25-36 ( 1 Thess. 3:9-13 )
25 "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 29 He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32"I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
PRAY
What would you do if you were diagnosed with a terminal disease and told that you only had a short time. I suppose many of us would want to make arrangements that would make our death easier on our loved ones. Making sure they knew where our insurance, banking, pension and other important documents were. Discussing funeral arrangements such as choosing hymns, and so on.
Some people might have the attitude of, 'let's enjoy life while we can' and blow their savings in wild living. This reminds me of the sticker I saw on a 4x4 which read, 'I'm driving the children's inheritance !'
What ever our approach might be, and please God that we may never have to, we should also be prepared for our future life, as well as our death. This is what Jesus was talking about in today's gospel reading. Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent means 'coming', and today's reading reminds us that we are to be ready for the second coming of Jesus.
Earlier in Chapter 21, verse 5,Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6"As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down." 7 "Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"
Jesus disciples thought he was to be a Messiah who would establish himself in the temple. Perhaps they thought that they would be getting their own offices in this beautiful building. Instead, Jesus tells them that the temple will soon be rubble, they will be betrayed and persecuted, and there will be war and natural disasters. This is the prelude to today's reading.
We will ask three questions of this passage:
Why should we be ready ?
How should we be ready ?
What should we be looking for ?
Why should we be ready ?
A Bishop was staying at a hotel. A nervous young bellboy was told to wake him up with the words, 'My Lord, it's the lad. It's time to get up !'
As he climbed the stairs the petrified boy kept repeating the words. He knocked, went into the room with the words, 'My lad, it's the Lord, your time is up !'
One day everyone will have to face Jesus. We know this because Jesus has said so. 32"I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
When Jesus said 'this generation will certainly not pass away until these things have happened', this can have two meanings that can both be true.
The more immediate meaning is that some of Jesus' words would find their fulfilment within the lifetime of some of his listeners. Jesus had talked about the destruction of Jerusalem after a siege, in verses 20-24, 20"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
In AD 70, some thirty years later, the Roman army laid siege to Jerusalem, because of a rebellion by some of the Jews. They reduced the city, and it's temple to rubble, killing everyone inside. There was not a single Christian who perished because they knew of Jesus warning, and left before the Romans broke into Jerusalem. They knew of Jesus teaching, acted upon it, and escaped destruction.
The future meaning of Jesus' words is probably that 'this generation' refers to the Jews, and they will not pass away until they have had the time to turn to Jesus before his second coming. There is a chance for them to know Jesus words, act upon them and escape eternal destruction.
When Jesus does return this will affect everyone as verse 35 says, 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. When Jesus comes he will judge the living and the dead, as we proclaim in the Creed. No-one will be able to escape. For those who have not accepted Jesus as their saviour and Lord this will result in separation from God forever.
But for believers Jesus says, "your redemption is drawing near."
The word redemption involves the paying of a price to set someone free. Jesus has already done this on the cross, and, since then, has set many free from the slavery of sin. This verse is referring to the final saving act of Jesus, the gathering up of the saints to be with God forever in heaven. There will be no more sin, sickness, suffering, death or mourning but a perfect life lived in the presence of God and our fellow saints. So, whilst many may faint from terror, verse 26, believers can have a confident hope of a new life with God in glory.
We live in a so called scientific age. Where people assume that nature is constant, and for something to be true it must be observable and it must be repeatable. But God, who created everything and included an order in his creation, is free to interrupt things. We think of the sun, moon and earth as permanent. But God only has to say the word and withdraw his support for the created order and everything, including us, would disappear.
People say, 'talk is cheap' but Jesus said 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
As God's people we are called to rely upon the words of Jesus. They are words of authority and words of eternity. They are as true today as they were when they were first uttered nearly 2000 years ago. The wonderful, substantial Jewish temple that the disciples admired is gone. The things around us, this church, our homes, cars, possessions will be nothing in eternity. Yet, Jesus words will endure. Those who rely on his promises will be with him forever. We know that we can trust Jesus' promises because they have all come true but for one. The promise of his return.
Why should we be ready ? and How should we be ready ?
I happened to glimpse a part of a television programme that had been encouraging it's viewers to prepare for Christmas well in advance. To bake the cake three months before, to do the shopping six weeks before and so on. I don't know if you are well organised like that, or if you post your cards after the last guaranteed mailing date and dash round the shops looking for presents on Christmas Eve ! The problem with this is that cards may be received after Christmas, and the popular presents and sizes have been sold by Christmas Eve.
How should we be ready ? Not by being well organised, but by knowing the scriptures and being observant. We read this in verses 28, and 34-36.
Jesus said in verse 28, do not be downcast at the appearance of these signs, but look up in joy, hope and trust.
I mentioned at the start that, when faced with death some people might have the attitude of enjoying life while they can by wild living. Jesus anticipates that some Christians, when faced with the end of the world, will act in a similar way. Verse 34, 34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth.
'Dissipation' is squandering or wasting life. Jesus said don't waste resources , or lose consciousness through drunkenness, or worry. Don't focus on these things.
A Steam enthusiast was waiting on a bridge one Bank Holiday to see a 'Mallard' locomotive that was travelling on the railway line underneath. He was very hungry and walked a few yard up the road to buy a hotdog from a mobile food caravan that was parked in a lay-by. As he was walking back he heard a commotion and saw steam billowing around the bridge. He ran, but arrived too late to see anything but smoke from the train.
36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Always watch, this is an antidote to apathy, fear, or dullness.
Pray, with two aims. Firstly to escape all that is about to happen, that is to say the wars, natural disasters and cosmic upheaval. More importantly will be the ability to be able to stand before the Son of Man. Everyone will appear before Jesus to be judged, as I mentioned earlier. This verse is referring to standing before Jesus in his righteousness, rather than in our sin and shame. We have to persevere in our faith through the power of God.
Jesus told his disciples to be ready for his return and not to concentrate on worldly things.
Why should we be ready ? How should we be ready ? and...
What should we be looking for ?
How do you know when summer is near ? Well, it is difficult to tell in this country, especially after the wet year we have just had ! One way is to look at a calendar. But in Jesus' day people could tell if summer was approaching by the signs of nature. Trees sprouted leaves, and it would have got a lot warmer. Observation was involved in deciding that summer was coming. Jesus told his followers to always be on the watch in verse 36. What they are to watch for is to be found in verses 10 -11, and 25-27.
10 Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
25 "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
We should be aware of the signs. But we should also watch out that we do not readily accept claims that Jesus is soon to return. The Jehovah's Witnesses are one movement who have made false predictions about the second coming. Some Christians say that what is happening in the world today are fulfilling these words of Jesus, and he will return soon.
I am not saying that Jesus will not return soon, but we are not seeing the widespread, catastrophic events that Jesus talked of at the moment. We need to be aware that we live in a world that has rejected God and there will be wars because of man's hostility to man. There will be natural disasters because we live in a world that is uneasy with it's creator because of sin. We are also living in a telecommunications culture where we can see events happening throughout the world in minutes, whereas one hundred years ago people could be unaware of what was happening in the next village !
Mark 13:32 Jesus said "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come."
We don't know when, so we are to be alert. To look for the signs.
'Twas the night Jesus came
( A Poem by Margie Knight on the meaning of Christmas )
'Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house
Not a person was praying, not one in the house.
The Bibles were left on the shelf without care,
For no one thought that Jesus would come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom in her rocker with baby in her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the east there rose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and lifted the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here!
The light of His face made me cover my head --
It was Jesus returning, just as He said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, "It's not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose with no sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I'd know that this was the night.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is now drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all.