diff --git a/content/bible_journal/luke_21:29-38.md b/content/bible_journal/luke_21:29-38.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..69084f7 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/luke_21:29-38.md @@ -0,0 +1,46 @@ ++++ +title = "Luke 21:29-38" +date = "2023-02-02" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk21.29-38) + +The parable of the fig tree is pretty easy to understand. Fig trees grow their +leaves in the spring, like most trees, and when you see them, you know that +summer is coming soon. In the very same way, when all of these signs and +wonders are seen, you will know that the end of the current age is coming to a +close. What is harder to understand is the statement that "this generation will +not pass away until all has taken place." (_v. 32_) Certainly everyone who was +alive in the first century have passed away, so how could Jesus say "truly"? +The answer is that the Greek word translated "generation" has more than one +meaning. The most common is what we usually think of for "generation": everyone +alive at a particular time. But it can also mean a type or kind of person, like +wicked or righteous, and it can also mean "race", which would refer to the Jews +in this case. + +Jesus's next statement is also interesting to think about. "Heaven and earth +will pass away, but my words will not pass away." (_v. 33_) People tend to +think that the earth they stand on and the skies above them are unshakable and +everlasting, but Jesus tells us that's not true at all. Even naturalists +understand that the Sun can't burn forever and the universe would eventually +grind to a halt. But our lives seem so short in comparison that such knowledge +doesn't affect us. However, this view is wrong too because the Bible teaches +that we shall all last for eternity, either living in the light of the Lord's +glory or dying forever in the lake of fire. + +Because of this reality, Jesus warns His listeners to live their lives in the +expectation that He will come back at any moment. If we waste our lives on +useless pleasures that are only good for the short moment we experience them, +then that day will come upon us like a trap springing closed. Or, if not that +day, then the day of our deaths could come at any time, and the end result is +the same. Beloved, be ready for your Lord to come home, so that He does not +find your service wanting. + +Finally, Luke gives us a note on how Jesus spent His days during this time. He +would come into Jerusalem to teach in the temple each day, but then at night He +would leave to stay on the Mount of Olives. + +* * * + +Keep us watchful, waiting patiently for Your return. Let us not grow weary in +doing good.