Anyone looking for lasting peace and righteousness here on earth will sooner, rather than later, become aware of how brittle the strongest ties can be. In Luke 21: 28 + 33: Jesus says, “But when you see things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your Redemption is drawing near. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away.”
The things Jesus is speaking about are a series of specific signs which He and Prophets before Him foretold would take place before His return. Some of the phenomenon He mentions in verse 25 – 26b: “And upon the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” These prophesies about the roaring of the sea and waves alone, we are seeing on a much too regular basis on daily newscasts, where entire coastal areas are washed away.
Verse 31: says, “Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that the Kingdom of God is near.” 2 Peter 3: 11 + 14: says, “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.”
Ephesians 5: 27: says, “That He (Jesus) might present to Himself the Church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless (complete).” In Luke 21: 19: Jesus says, “By your endurance you will gain your lives.” In John 14: 1 + 27: Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in (and adhere to, trust and rely on) God; you believe in (adhere to, trust and rely) Me (amplified). Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so much for the wonderful hope we have in You, because You gave us advance notice through Your Word of all that would transpire prior to Your return. Thank You for keeping us in the amazing Peace which You have given us, that we may remain steadfast in the midst of tribulations, till we see You face to Face. Encourage all those who seek refuge in You today, that their mind not wander away because of what they see, and therefore become unsettled in their faith. May You be greatly Glorified in the Prince of Peace You are to your chosen, and awaiting people. Glory to You alone!
