GOSPEL READING LUKE 21:20-28 VIDEO CLIP: ***NONE AVAILABLE *** The Destruction of Jerusalem 20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains! Those inside the city[a] must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it, 22 because these are days of vengeance to fulfill all the things that are written. 23 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for there will be great distress in the land[b] and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles[c] until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. The Coming of the Son of Man 25 “Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves.26 People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!” **Verses 20-22 ‘Jerusalem and its desolation’ is where the questions in verse 7 are answered. Matthew 24:15 refers to “the abomination of desolation” which was foretold by Daniel and would be set up in the Holy Temple. When the city was surrounded it was imperative that those living there, and in the surrounding area (Judea), flee as the city would be completely under attack as part of God’s vengeance (rendering of justice) against Jerusalem. **Verses 23-24 “Great tribulation” refers to the great and intense suffering during this time of judgment and …God’s “wrath”… is His anger against sin expressed as righteous judgment. From A.D. 70 until the modern establishment of the state of Israel, on May 14, 1948, Jerusalem was under control and authority by Gentiles….and the “times” of the Gentiles refers to the current opportunity available in which all nations embrace the Gospel of Christ. **Verses 25-26 Signs in the sun, moon, and stars most likely refers to the passage in Joel 2:28 and 31 and was mentioned earlier in Lk 21:11…these signs will certainly create great panic and anxiety throughout all people. **Verses 27-28 The second coming of Christ in this verse, can also be found in the prophecy of Dn 7:13, as well as similar passage in Rv 1:7. We are reminded that instead of cowering and trembling when we see these signs, we should lift up our heads and be encouraged, as they indicate that the Divine plan of ‘redemption’ is being completed and the advent of ‘the Kingdom of God is near’.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 12:39:49 +0000
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