December 1, 2018
To read full passage click: Luke 1:25-28 …“Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” vs. 28
When Luke wrote his gospel, the destruction of Jerusalem was fresh on his mind. It had been a horrible experience for both Jews and Christians. The Roman armies were brutal and they had completely destroyed the temple and killed thousands of Jewish defenders. For many of the faithful it was as though the end of the world had come and they had no idea what was coming next. The temple had been the center of their worship life for hundreds of years. It was as though their God had deserted them. Jesus had spoken of the future during his lifetime and Luke decided to write what his followers had remembered. Luke’s description matches the events that had just taken place but he directs his readers to consider those horrible times, not as an ending, but as a prelude to a glorious future. They had not been deserted by God! Indeed, God had continued to watch over them and keep them safe, and soon their redemption would draw near. The armies of Rome had done their worst, but God’s kingdom had survived. In fact, long after Rome was destroyed, the Church of Christ continued to grow and to prosper. We continue to cling to the promises of God in our uncertain times. We don’t know what calamities lie ahead, but we can be certain that in Christ there is refuge and hope.
Thought for the Day: What disasters are on the horizon in our world?
0 Comments