Friday, June 23, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading
Luke 21:5–19

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, “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.” They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 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. “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.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. “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. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls. (NRSV)

Reflection
I’m trying to think of a time when nation was not rising up against nation. When was a time when there were no earthquakes or famines, or plagues? When was there no persecution or betrayal?

Like many of us, I was taught to think of Jesus’ description here as a description of some future time. But it actually seems to be a description of how the world is. Not just now, but throughout time. And since Jesus walked the earth, there have always been people who thought, “Now is the end of the world, because the world sounds like this.”

But Jesus says, don’t follow people who say that the time is near. Don’t be afraid! This account of Jesus is written in the style of apocalyptic literature — an entire genre or type of writing that has the purpose of encouraging people to maintain hope even in the most difficult times. And it turns out that a lot of times are difficult times!

Endure, Jesus says. Persist. Use words and wisdom that the Holy Spirit will give to us when we most need it.

Prayer
God of power and God of hope, give me both power and hope today! Strengthen my heart so that I don’t slip into fear. Inspire me to persist in serving you and your world. Amen.

Written by Nanette Sawyer, Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Small Group Ministry

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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