Advent Sunday (Luke 21:25-36) Key Words and Phrases: earth x4; pass x6; nigh x3; power(s) x2; tree(s) x2; see x3; hearts x2; Son of man x2; come/coming x7; know x2; things x4; heaven x2; lift up, look, looking x2; shall x7; all x3; away x3; then x2; when x2; ye x5; to x4; ‘Son of man coming’; ‘your redemption’; ‘the Kingdom of God’; ‘my words’; ‘this life’; ‘that day’; ‘watch and pray’; ‘accounted worthy’; ‘to stand before the Son of man’; ‘distress of nations with perplexity’; ‘men’s hearts failing them for fear’. The Advent theology is presented by Jesus as part of His response to some who celebrated the majesty, might and marvel demonstrated by the Temple (verses 5-7) — which was so impressive that it seemed impregnable — however, Jesus said it would be destroyed utterly and completely. ‘And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled’ (verse 24 and cf Daniel 8:13; 12:7). Within a generation His prophecy was fulfilled as the Roman armies (AD70-74) raided, ransacked and ruined the holy city, slaughtered its citizens and left the Temple a ‘heap of stones,’ a ‘demolition site’ that bore witness to the judgement of God (verses 5-24). So the period AD70 — 1948 should be considered as ‘the time of the Gentiles’ and Jesus sets His second coming within the context of Israel’s new experience of nationhood post 1948. The message of the second coming is expounded by means of prophecy, parable and precepts. Jesus indicates that signs of the time(s) or the time of the signs will act as advisories or alerts to foretell the imminence of His return. These signs represent God advertising His presence, announcing His power and asserting His purpose. If God is speaking through these signs then the message is comprehensive and complete — from ‘sun, moon and stars, and upon the earth (distress of nations with perplexity) the sea and the waves roaring.’ Note: The cosmic, the confused and the Continental. The signs represent physical/natural phenomena but also symbolise the spiritual. ‘Distress of nations with perplexity’ may illustrate universal disturbance, anxiety and despair. ‘The sea and the waves roaring’ may be a euphemism for the ‘nations upon the earth’ in turmoil and upheaval. Note: Truth and consequences ‘men’s hearts failing them for fear (physiological and supernatural) and for looking after those things that are coming upon the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken’ (verse 26 and cf Matthew 24:23-35; Mark 13:24-31; Revelation 6:12-17) — fearful and fretful but foolishly no repentance! ‘And when these things begin — look up’ (verse 28) compare looking down and around (verse 26) and ‘lift up your heads.’ Compare ‘hearts failing them for fear’ it is a time of opportunity for faith, a time for optimism and hope ‘your redemption draweth near.’ The proof of redemption is demonstrated by perspective and perception — we need a vertical outlook and up look. The person of redemption is the Son of Man (verse 27) who is ‘coming in power and great glory’ (verse 27). The practice of redemption is to liberate and He will come to set His people free from the constraints, contaminants and circumstances of earth; from a plethora of signs to single and unmistakable evidence given under the form of a parable (verses 29-31). Note: The fig tree is a symbol of Israel so the ‘other trees’ may speak of diverse national identities. The increase of nations upon the earth together with the many dozens of tribal and people groups around the world that desire and aspire to independence and nationhood is quite remarkable. At the environmental level of course the climate will determine the transition from dormancy to life. So when ‘trees begin to put forth leaves,’ to bud and bloom, it is clear evidence that the season of summer has arrived. The fragrance and fruit are effects — summertime and warmth are the cause. So Jesus says, ‘when these signs appear (they are equivalent of sprouting and spreading trees) know that the kingdom of God is near at hand’ — it is transition and transformation time. The signs are not the cause they are the effect(s) of Divine activity; they are proof that God is working His purpose out. They are speaking predictively and prophetically saying, ‘the Son is coming, and the sovereign of the kingdom is at the door.’ Note: The ‘then’ of (verse 27) and the ‘when’ of (verse 28) — we are to observe the signs but look for the Son. Note: That ‘all these things shall be fulfilled’ even though ‘heaven and earth shall pass away;’ the words of Jesus are abiding and eternal (verse 33) He is the eternal Word and His words are incorruptible and indestructible and immortal. The precepts of Advent include practical advice. The danger for each generation is that waiting can become burdensome and wearisome and this may lead to neglect, apathy and indifference. ‘Take heed to yourselves’ don’t allow the world, flesh and devil — the things of time and sense, rob you of confidence, cloud your vision or contaminate your faith — we need to be ready, prepared for His coming and expecting His appearance. ‘Take heed to yourselves lest that day come upon you unawares’ (cf Matthew 25:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9; Titus 2:11-14). We must live day by day, hour by hour and moment by moment with the consciousness that Christ is coming and that his coming is imminent. Such a habit and attitude of life will make for committed service and holiness of life and will prevent us from being ensnared (verse 35; Ecclesiastes 9:12; John 10:16). After the admonition to resist the negative and to avoid slothfulness, coldness and carelessness we are given the means to accomplish the victory, ‘watch ye therefore and pray always’ — we are to watch for the signs of His coming, watch for His return and watch our manner of life — vigilance and diligence are essential elements of a holy life. Note: Both of these are ‘always’ activities — we are to ‘pray and watch’ as well as to ‘watch and pray’ (cf 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 26:41; Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). ‘Accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man’ (Hebrews 2:3; 2 Peter 2:20). To be ‘accounted worthy’ is a manifestation of the grace, goodness and generosity of God. It is the Father’s love which receives the unworthy prodigal, recovers him from his backsliding and restores him to family privilege and blessing (Luke 15:11-32). We are justified (made just as if we had never sinned), made righteous by being clothed with the righteousness of Christ; we are washed, sanctified and glorified (Romans 5:1; 8:28-30; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21), but righteousness has to be worked in and walked out (Ephesians 4:24-32; Philippians 1:6; 2:13). So Paul says ‘what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ … I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ … Brethren I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do … I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 3:7, 8, 13, 14 and cf 1 Timothy 1:12). His accounting of our ‘balance sheet’ (verses 34-36) which is inscribed ‘paid in full’ should cause us to count our manifold blessings (1 Peter 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:7-8). May God Bless His Word to all our hearts Copyright © Ivor Nicklin November 2012 — All Rights Reserved
Posted on: Mon, 02 Sep 2013 00:20:21 +0000
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