Luke: 21: 29 – 38 End Times, continued

Luke: 21: 29 – 38 End Times, continued

He taught them a lesson. "Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." During the day, Jesus was teaching in the temple area, but at night he would leave and stay at the place called the Mount of Olives. And all the people would get up early each morning to listen to him in the temple area.

Jesus continues to talk about the end times and the signs that will foretell that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Then he makes what appears to be a specific prediction “Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.” What does that mean? The first Christians took that passage quite literally, and behaved accordingly. Many of the passages from the book of the Bible that record the happenings immediately following Christ’s death (Acts of the Apostles) are very inspiring, pointing to a community that worshiped together, shared their possessions with all, and by their love for each other and for those around them gained many converts. When the Apostles began to pass away without the Kingdom of God coming, they began to cast about for explanations. Now more than 2000 years later we still have not had that day come to pass. Is this indicative of God’s patience with us – that more may come to know him? Or has he given up on us? Let’s hope not. Meanwhile, we can only do as Jesus has recommended - be vigilant, don’t get caught up in anxieties and bad behavior, and pray. Or perhaps, even better, live as the Apostles lived in those first heady days of the church – praying, sharing what we have, and loving one another. If we do that we will be ready for the Kingdom to come whenever that happens.

Luke 21: 5 – 28 End Times

Luke 21: 5 – 28 End Times

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, "All that you see here--the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky. "Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives. "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city for these days are the time of punishment when all the scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."

Jesus predicts the end of days – that period of human history when the world comes to an end. The passages describe great suffering and calamities. Some religions spend a lot of time and energy trying to relate these passages to current events. The events described are very daunting – false gods, wars, earthquakes, plagues and persecutions. I find myself reading over those verses quickly. I don’t want to think about the fear and suffering predicted. I home in on Jesus few words of encouragement, “I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. By your perseverance you will secure your lives. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." (Yes I skipped over a sentence or two about betrayal, hate and destruction). I focus in on that and try to look past the rest. Steady on. Keep Breathing.

Luke 21: 1 – 4 The Widow’s Mite

Luke 21: 1 – 4 The Widow’s Mite

When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."

The topic of the day is giving alms, giving to the poor. Jesus points out two examples – the rich people who give out of their excess wealth and the poor widow who gives all she has. How much is enough you might ask? We live in a time of extremes – both the numbers of rich and poor are growing. I think perhaps our mistake is in characterizing our giving as charity. Somehow that strikes the American psyche wrong – both in the receiving (people feel humiliated, or sad to be in such a position, or even angry when they are given charity - but enough about them - I think this is really about us!) – or in the giving, which is voluntary, often inadequate to meet the need, and in many cases, an afterthought. I think regarding our giving as charity is where we go wrong. I believe everything we have is due to God’s generosity. Our God-given talents and opportunities are I believe, yes, given to us by God. True, we work hard at them, we develop them, and they bear fruit in terms of recognition and financial payback. Perhaps we need to think more of being grateful and joyful for what we have been given, and out of that joy and gratitude be generous to those around us as God has been generous to us.

Luke 20: 41 – 47 Beware of the Scribes

Luke 20: 41 – 47 Beware of the Scribes

Then he said to them, "How do they claim that the Messiah is the Son of David? For David himself in the Book of Psalms says: 'The Lord said to my lord, "Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool."' Now if David calls him 'lord,' how can he be his son?" Then, within the hearing of all the people, he said to (his) disciples, "Be on guard against the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and love greetings in marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation."

The Scribes continue with their plots. Jesus sees them for what they are – small-minded men clinging to the trappings of their power with little of real value to offer the people. Jesus has set a new standard, one of humility, service, simplicity and sharing. Somehow, the structure and appearance of faith had begun to outweigh its ability to serve either God of humanity. Jesus foretells their judgment. His way and our way must be one of humble service.