Luke 21:20-33
Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.” Typically, back in those days, when an invading army was approaching, the citizens would flock to the safety of the city and its city walls. Not so this time, Jesus says, with three warnings: if you are in Judea, flee to the mountains; if you are in the city, you must leave; and if you are in the country, do not enter the city (v. 21). He saw in the future that Jerusalem would be trampled, as they were in 70 A.D.!
I commented yesterday on Jesus’ encouragement in yesterday’s reading (verse 9). Today we see it again: But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (v. 28) I particularly like the phrase, “…straighten up and lift up your heads…”. Rather than being downcast at what you see going on around you (sun, moon, stars, seas, waves, plus the powers of the heavens shaking; vv. 25-26), stand up, look up, watch and see His redemption playing out! I still don’t particularly want to be there at that time, but again it’s encouraging to know that He has His “elect” in His protection. Glory!
Slava Bohu!