Luke 21 | Warnings and Hope

This devotion was written to accompany the Venture Church 2022 Bible Reading Plan.

Isn't it startling when scripture stops you in your tracks and you ask "How long ago was this written?! Are they watching the same news channel I am?!"

It's easy to think this when reading Luke 21, as Jesus himself is prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem. It can jar us a bit -- because what we read feels strangely familiar to what we have experienced in the last couple of years. And while Jesus was prophesying something that did, in fact, occur in A.D. 70, there are practical and deeply significant lessons for us today. No surprise, of course, because the Word of God is LIVING! It is active! It is relevant!

What we discover about God in this passage is His sovereignty. He is just over the earth and its rise and fall. He is all-knowing and He is in control. What we see about man is how easily deceived we are. We are easily frightened by uprisings and wars. And, as if that isn't enough, those of us who follow Jesus are open to persecution and betrayal for our beliefs. It's a brutal world and we are susceptible to its dangers.

One thing I love about Jesus' teachings, and the Word of God altogether, is that we can always find an answer, a solution, among all the questions. We are never left without help or hope, even in the tough passages and difficult realities. This chapter is no different. Jesus, in His compassion, paints the reality of destruction while offering a gift of warning and the hope of a promise.

When the outlook is grim, Jesus instructs us to "be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life." He warns that without paying attention, we'll be trapped -- destruction will come before we even know it. Our hearts will be weighed down with plenty of so-called remedies which only serve to distract and destroy us. Verse 36 is our warning -- "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen and that you may stand before the Son of Man." So, how can we guard against deceit and fear? Be on the watch! Pray for your own courage to do what is right, resist evil and stand confidently before the Son of God. Stand firm and win life!

Verses 14-19 give us practical instruction. We can make up our minds to not worry about how we will defend ourselves against the evils of this world. We have the guidance of God from His word, the security of His sovereign plan and ultimately His presence with us. He is our helper and our defender.

And we have a promise -- look at the fig trees! When a fig tree buds, summer is near. And when summer comes and the buds bloom, fruit is produced.

The same is true in our lives. Destruction is never final for the follower of Jesus. God will bud new dreams, new direction and new hope in us -- and we can take it as a sign that brighter days are ahead! And with brighter days comes the growth of fruit in our lives -- discipleship, obedience and kingdom impact.

Reflection & Response:

What are some practical ways you can make up your mind to not worry about the uncertainties of life? How can you implement this into your daily life to combat worry and stress?

Does your life reflect a trust in God's sovereignty? If not, ask God to forgive your lack of trust and help grow a confidence in His rule over the earth.

Do you feel like a fig tree -- budding and ready to bloom? Ask God to breathe new life into you as you obey His commands, grow in His Word and produce fruit for His glory.