“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign they are about to take place?”

He replied: “Watch out you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Luke 21:7-9 

None of us knows the future. That’s scary yes, but sadly, we think we do. We’re so convinced the worst is gonna happen. Notice Jesus says, even he, the get-out-of-jail free card, will not play his hand right away. 

Jesus’ assurance is, wars and uprisings will happen, people will come pretending to be him? Not exactly comforting.

But here’s the thing friends, Jesus also says, the end may not come right away, but we must stand firm, and we will win life! We must stand firm when people yell, stand firm when anger’s around, stand firm when we’re hurt, stand firm when we’re frustrated, stand firm wherever we are, whoever we are, whenever and however we can. We must stand for Jesus, extending love. 

I realize we’re a futuristic society. But that was no different than the world of Jesus’ best friends asking him how they’ll know when he’s coming and what they should be looking for. And he says, you’ll know. Yes, Bad stuff’s gonna happen, but don’t be afraid. 

So friend, when you see bad happen, bring good, when you see injustice, breathe justice, when you see someone hurting others, offer love. We all must stand firm for Christ, and all can win life! The future is bright! 

To God be the glory 

Pastor Brandon