SCRIPTURE: Luke 21
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. [Luke 21:3] Jesus sees things differently, and His perspective is good and right. Worldly eyes measure the amount of money gifts, but Jesus weighs the heart. Worldly eyes are impressed by great buildings, but Jesus sees their temporal, limited status. Worldly eyes see wars and earthquakes and persecution, but Jesus sees opportunity for kingdom testimony: This will result in your being witnesses to them. [Luke 21:13] Worldly eyes focus on temporal suffering, but Jesus sees eternal security [Luke 21:17-19]. When the world goes through crisis, Jesus urges us to see things as signs of the coming kingdom: Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. [Luke 21:31]
Some christians get burdened by the “signs of the times”, worrying about how bad it will be. Others get absorbed into reading the signs, calculating dates and times based on the restoration of Israel (the fig tree), ready for the return of the Lord. But Jesus challenges us to not get discouraged or distracted from what really matters – that we are agents and ambassadors to the kingdom of God to the very end. As we demonstrate and declare God’s new world order, we will be challenged and harassed for it. But the Spirit will give us words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict [Luke 21:15]
To be faithful to Jesus the King to the very end. Not just faithful in waiting, but faithful in living! Do the things the King commissioned us to do. Even when the “signs of the times” start appearing. Remember, the signs of the times appeared in 70 AD (they saw it, Luke 21:32], and have continued to appear until now. Every time a disaster occurs, every war that is fought, every crisis that comes, is a declaration of the frailty of this world and the coming of a new world, a new kingdom. As Jesus-followers, we do not “see” with worldly eyes, we see what really matters, for eternity.
If you want to hasten the day of His return, stop getting discouraged or distracted by the “signs”, and start being a “sign” of the kingdom. Live the Jesus way, demonstrate His character, practice His priorities (God and people, not religion and property). Allow His Spirit to use you and me as a witness of the new world that is coming, even when the old world is dying.
PRAYER:
Lord, give me eyes to value what You valued, to prioritize what You prioritized, and a heart to do what You did. Make me ready for Your return.
LORD, do I give you all that I have out of my everything or only what I feel comfortable releasing to You? Help me to be like the widow Father.
LORD, protect our hearts from all that is not of You. Keep us firmly planted in Your Truth! May the Holy Spirit reveal to us all that is hindering us or distracting us. May our daily relationship with You and our living out of this relationship be our priority each day.
This passage starts with the thought that all I have I owe to Jesus. All that I am, body and soul, belongs to the Lord for His service.
And in that service, I do not have to worry about my responses of those who question me. God will give the words to speak and in that way give evidence of Christ at work. I need the upward look rather than the downward look. God-focussed rather than man-focussed. I am a kingdom worker and though the world around me my be falling apart, I am Spirit lead to do His will. I am to see the sign of the times. I am able to pray for His Kingdom – Thy kingdom comes. The old will pass away and the new will come. I am GodStrong.
Help me this day Lord to give my all for You.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Refrain
Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Refrain
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.