September 7

Luke 21:20-28 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

27And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Observation

In the first portion of the passage Jesus is telling of the destruction that will come to the city of Jerusalem. And, the warning is pretty severe. Vengence is coming and there will be great distress for pregnant women and nursing mothers. I ask myself why explicitly state that the most vulnerable will experience such calamity. The people will be trampled upon by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. In the second portion Jesus is telling of all the kinds of signs that will accompany his return. He tells everyone to prepare themselves when they notice these signs by straightening up and raise their heads because redemption is drawing near.

Application

The return of Jesus is not something that I often meditate upon. I think that I've been turned off by some Christians who overemphasize this point. Yet, I sense God's Spirit encouraging me today to meditate upon Jesus's return. And, in that meditating to consider ways that I can better prepare the state of my heart, mind and soul. What needs to be purified? For example, where do I consider my needs greater than others? Or, when do I tend not to give to the least of these? Do I withhold blessings from people? Do I withhold blessings from those who curse me? I am inspired by God's Spirit to cooperate with him to become the kind of person who naturally does these things in cooperation with God.

Prayer

Lord, as I meditate upon your return help me to see how your return can fill me with hope and gratitude for our redemption. Give me the courage to face the areas of my life that aren't in line with your ways so that I am fully prepared when you do return. I want to be ready at any moment. May your Spirit help me do your good will today so that I can be the kind of person who is ready for your return.

--Pastor John Loppnow