Sunday, December 1-Hope
Luke 21:25-36 Family Devotional
28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
“Watch for falling objects.” Driving through the mountains, there are often warning signs to alert drivers to the potential dangers ahead. The intention is to get drivers to “be always on the watch.” Read Luke 21:25-36 aloud and find the warning signs that Jesus gives to his disciples.
As I read through, I noticed two distinct kinds of dangers: external and internal.
Jesus warned of dangers that occur outside of us. These include international turmoil and natural disasters. For those dangers, Jesus encouraged his disciples to “stand up and lift up your heads.”
Jesus also warned of dangers that occur inside of us. These include worry, drunkenness and misbehaving with others. For those dangers, Jesus encouraged his disciples to “be always on the watch, and pray.”
In addition to these warnings and instructions on how to respond, Jesus gives his disciples the assurance that though “heaven and earth will pass away, my words will never pass away.” His instructions are timeless. His wisdom never wears out. His smartness never gets old. Stars may explode, nations may implode, but not Jesus’ truth.
So, Jesus’ words are kind of like the windshield of a car. We look through His wisdom at the dangers which he warned of. With God’s help, each of us can confidently stand today and on the day Jesus comes back.
So, at the start of this advent season, let’s do the two things that Jesus invited his disciples to do.
Stand up. Take a deep breath and look around. Jesus wanted his disciples to be confident in Him when outside dangers come around. Name some of the outside dangers of our day. Now say, “Jesus is greater than ____ (insert the dangers you named).”
Pray. Open your eyes and fold your hands. Name some of the things you worry about or struggle with. Ask Jesus to help you with whatever internal danger you are facing.
PASTOR JOSH KLEINFELD