Thursday, November 14, 2013 Luke 21:5-19 Like Jesus disciples we want to know about the end—the day that is coming, so we know how we end up. So we trust our common knowledge, or reading the future, or the record of our good works as the best ways to deal with the day. How will we end up at our own death, which is the day for us? Have we been right and good enough? Have we done enough? The problem with all these ways of dealing with the day is that they have no Jesus in them. as if we do not trust his death on the cross is the day for us. He has preempted all judgment by his death and promised us life by his resurrection. Jesus resurrection is our day. Our future now rests in Jesus, and thus our future is of mercy, forgiveness, love from God, and eternal life. When we are given Jesus mercy and love that promised future becomes for each of us our today. Our Father, no one knows when the last day will be, the day when all the stones of our accomplishments will be thrown down. Give us faith in Jesus to see his death as our new life in his mercy and love. Help us to give and to speak of your mercy when we have an opportunity to testify of your mercy to those who are burdened by the wars in their lives. Amen. Timothy Hoyer Pastor, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lakewood, N.Y.; Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Falconer, N.Y. Doctor of Ministry , 2009 Luke 21:5-19 (NRSV) 5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 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. 7 They asked him, Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place? 8 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. 9 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. 10 Then he said to them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 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. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 11:33:58 +0000
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