annotated_annals/content/bible_journal/luke_21:20-28.md

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2023-01-31 21:03:35 -05:00
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title = "Luke 21:20-28"
date = "2023-01-31"
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### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk21.20-28)
I wish I knew why Jesus and the prophets don't seem to distinguish between
near-future and far-future foretellings. Back and forth, Jesus talks about the
destruction of Jerusalem, an event some 40 years ahead of His life and death,
and He also speaks of His return upon the clouds, which as yet still hasn't
happened even after some 2,000 years. Isaiah did the same thing in his
Messianic prophecies, telling of Jesus's First and Second Comings in the same
chapter, sometimes even in the same verse. Since I can only guess, I will guess
it's similar to the reason for speaking in parables, so that the ones given
understanding by the Holy Spirit will see and understand, while everyone else
will just be confused.
After encouraging His disciples that they will go through persecutions but will
not perish even if they die, Jesus gives warnings to those who will live
through the sack of Jerusalem. Anyone inside the city should flee, and those
who are outside should go to the mountains for safety. Many will be killed and
taken as captives and the city will be trampled underfoot by the Gentile
armies.
Immediately after explaining these things, Jesus talks about the signs and
portents of the coming of the Son of Man (i.e., Jesus Himself). The great
changes in the cosmos will cause everyone on earth to fear, fainting and
trembling, because they have never seen anything like it. But then Jesus will
return in power and glory, and His chosen people are to raise their heads
because their redemption is coming along with Him.
* * *
Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Rule and reign in righteousness and fulfill all of
Your promises.