Luke 21 reminds me of Hurricane parties. When I lived in Florida, storm warnings became a reason to celebrate. At that time, it had been decades since a major hurricane hit the state, so people began to ignore the potential dangers and flaunt defiance. Today’s chapter warns of approaching storms. We begin with Jesus observing people “putting their gifts into the temple treasury”. These were not required taxes, but freewill offerings. Of all the gifts given, Jesus noticed “a poor widow put in two very small copper coins”. These were the smallest denomination possible, yet He said, she “has put in more than all the others”. I believe His focus was on her attitude; she gave as an expression of tremendous gratitude. Counting our blessings always improves our outlook. At the same time the disciples were remarking about the how the “temple was adorned with beautiful stones”. The Temple was a symbol of national pride; magnificent and imposing. But Jesus told them, “the time will come when not one stone will be left on another”. The disciples asked Him, “when will these things happen?” I think their question was asked with a bit of arrogance, because Jesus immediately changed the mood, “Watch out that you are not deceived”. Devastation changes everything.
The rest of the chapter provides the short term and long term forecast. Meteorologists look at global weather patterns, but most of us just want to know the high temperature for today. Jesus taught them, “For many will come in My Name… Do not follow them”. Politicians and preachers make lofty promises, but Jesus said, in the end, “Nation will rise against nation… There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences”. No man will prevent the end-times judgment. In the meantime, the followers of Christ are never told to bunker down in hiding. Orthodoxy will come at a cost, “before all this, they will seize you and persecute you… and put you in prison… Everyone will hate you because of Me”. There is a clear sense of selflessness, “bear testimony to Me… Stand firm, and you will win life”.
Jesus taught to keep an eye on Jerusalem, “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies… desolation is near … Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled”. In 70 AD, Jerusalem fell to Rome, and the Diaspora began, “For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written”. Until the discovery of oil in 1908, much of the Middle East was an obscure land of tribal warfare and nomadic people. Israel was reestablished as a nation after World War II. Suddenly in 1948, all of the end-times prophesies became possible again. We read of what is often called the second coming, “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near”. Scoffers laugh at religious mumbo-jumbo as myths, and fairytales, but Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away”. He told believers “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap”. Recent storms have heightened coastal awareness and preparation, but that will fade with time. Here is a warning for the whole Earth, “Be always on the watch… all that is about to happen”. Each individual will “stand before the Son of Man”. I have stood in the aftermath of hurricanes and it is no joke. Please listen to the end of the chapter, “Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple”. My friend, do not ignore the wisdom of God’s Word. “I am going away and I am coming back to you” (John 14:28). Are you ready?