Luke 21:20-28

content/bible_journal/luke_21:20-28.md

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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.