Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
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Scripture |
Luke 21:5-19 5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6“As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” 7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them. 9“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12“But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.
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Devotional |
This week’s lectionary reading is both dense and apocalyptic. As one who does not relate to dense or apocalyptic subjects, Luke 21:5-19 is not highlighted in my bible. This is one of those scriptures I can easily pass over for something more positive If I take this scripture literally, the end of time is here or near. , “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. Events described here have been happening recently in our world. Such events have been happening since Jesus spoke these words. I believe Jesus was attempting to prepare the disciples spiritual life for the days ahead of them. Jesus is offering hope in the midst of turmoil for those who endure in faith. Jesus is calming our fears about the coming week, year, and the rest of our lives. Jesus is giving us the spiritual resources to cope with the adversity and hardship in our lives. Destruction of physical structures happens but we should prepare ourselves for the spiritual relationship with God.
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