Scary End Times? or Hints about Daily Living?

Probably it’s both.

This section in the Gospel of Luke reads a bit like a modern day newspaper. A temple is destroyed! Ominous trouble clouds with threats of trials and jail! Cities were destroyed, forcing refugees to take cover! And finally, the need to pray for a spectacular escape and rescue!

If you are a student of Bible prophecy or simply looking for how the plot ends, there is plenty of material in these verses to look carefully at for clues to future events.

While Bible prophecy has a significant role in this section of scripture, Christ has a formidable task before him as he speaks here.

Up to this point in history, people related to God largely through separate intermediaries such as prophets, intervening events, and through following religious practices. The incarnation brought about a dramatic change, as we can now relate to God personally through Christ. This is amazing and wonderful. But the message in this scripture must prepare the disciples and followers for the trauma of that moment.

The announcement of the tearing down of the temple would have been incredibly traumatic for these people. This is where the priest entered the holy of holies and intervened on their behalf. This was where they retained relics and symbols of God’s provision and their deliverance through miraculous events. It was the centre of their life and their real connection with God.

But here’s where he shifts them to a personal connection to the incarnate Christ. “I will give you wisdom…you will be saved by being faithful to me…."

Even in the 21st century, we need to take care not to fall into the trap of relying on our temples, our present-day rituals, and worrying about life.

Respond in Prayer

Lord, continue to lead me in the ways of your kingdom. Take me beyond the trivialities and worries of living outside of your care and your principles. Show me how I may please You so I can fulfill the life you have promised and live under your protection.

Laurie Cook

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).