April 16 | Luke 21:5-38

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DAILY READING

Luke 21:5-38

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REFLECTION

Jesus Warns and Gives Hope

By Kathleen Serio

When I first read this passage, all I could think was, “Great. It’s Revelation hidden in the book of Luke.” This gave me a chuckle as we recently gave our High School Ministry students the opportunity to pose any questions they have about faith or the Bible. I collect the questions and the first one I read was, “How do you interpret Revelation?”

Many of us are confused by the book of Revelation. After getting this passage to write on, I wondered if God was telling me I need to read Revelation, a challenge I am not looking forward to. But I know that God challenges us for a reason, and as we are reminded in this passage, He is always with us to guide us and help us. So, what can we take away from this passage? I see two key points:  Jesus giving warnings and Jesus reminding us to have hope.

First Jesus warns that the temple will be destroyed and reduced to rubble. Next Jesus warns that many will come saying they are Him, but they are not. We are not to be deceived or follow them.  After this we will see wars and natural disasters. Jesus warns that these uprisings and fearful events are signs from heaven that need to occur before the end will come. Then we will be persecuted and put in prison, but we are not to be concerned how to defend ourselves because Jesus will give us words and wisdom.

Now what was that other take away? Hope. Jesus tells us that even though people will hate us, not one hair on our head will perish. We are to stand firm in him and we will win life. When we see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, we are to flee and stay out of the city. We are to observe signs in the sky and in the turbulent seas. While others are living in terror of what is happening, we are to stand up and be hopeful, optimistic, and proud, and look towards the future with hope and confidence. We are to put our trust in Jesus and turn to him for spiritual strength. Our salvation is drawing near.

The hope Jesus reminds us of is His protection and all of the blessings He brings us. We are not alone. No matter what comes, Jesus will give us words to protect ourselves and keep us from harm. With Him, we will win life. We will be armed with the truth of the goodness that Jesus brings; with the protection from God; and with the power of the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER

God please be with us each day. In the trials we face, help us to see the hope you have given us and to focus on that hope over anything else. God thank you for hope, thank you for not just warning us of bad things coming our way, but for giving us comfort with the truth in the promises you have made us.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KATHLEEN SERIO

I grew up at UALC and have been blessed to have many role models in this church. They encouraged me to pursue my passions including volunteering with Young Kids’ VBS, HSM, teaching Sunday School, small groups, Operation Christmas Child, mission trips, ushering, and more. It has been a joy to go from participating in ministries as a kid to becoming a leader as an adult.

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