PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 21:5-9
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Every one of them will be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6)
The disciples found the temple remarkable, beautiful, God-glorifying.
Jesus does not see it this way; he sees beneath the show to the heart.
I hear Jesus challenging me for what I find remarkable or impressive.
Jesus is not impressed by what I’ve done, or am doing, or will do.
My religious accomplishments or reputation is not what Jesus considers.
Paul also prided himself on his dedication to God – until he met Jesus.
“Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” (Philippians 3:7)
Jesus tore down the stones of Paul’s religious heart.
He replaced it with humbled and graced heart of flesh.
Paul no longer boasted about how remarkable he was; his only boast was Jesus.
Are there things I am confident in that need to be thrown down?
Is my confidence in my position, my church attendance, my faithfulness to the bible?
Jesus wants to throw down my religious pride and build up a humbled, gracious heart.
Be specific: what personal boast or confidence is Jesus challenging in me?
PRAYER
Lord, show me my own religious pride, and tear it down. Replace it with a humbled, gracious heart – more impressed by you than by myself.
“When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Temple was destroyed and wars have happened and are happening. What Jesus said has come about but – the end has not come – even though we are closer each day. Jesus said this so that we would know – I need to be faithful and trusting – Jesus will come – the end will come – there will be an end to my life as I know it today – yet I may live on to the next through Jesus – and that helps me to not only survive but to enable me to be a blessing to others – to bring words of hope in Jesus!
How does one read the sign of the times?
When I see and hear of all the turmoil in the world today, I too think that the time is near with the wars, floodings, earthquakes, and the the societal values. These signs should bring people closer to the Lord. Men’s castles are falling down. There is no real pece in the land. Kingdoms are crumbling. Rightness is disappearing. All this needs to ring me closer to the Lord and as always, serve Him. He will give His people strength. Keep my eyes on You Lord for You are my Helper at all times.
God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way.
He’s swift to repay all those
who bear the burden of the day.
God gives His people strength.
God gives His people hope.
If we but trust in His word,
our prayers are always heard.
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
God gives His people love.
If we but open wide our heart,
He’s sure to do His part;
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people strength.
God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim,
and courage grows dim,
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace