In this passage, Jesus speaks of the coming of the end. But we must understand that the process is slow. The beginning occurs from the time of his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. From that point forward, we are looking to his return and we are to be prepared for it.
He tells his disciples that the temple will be destroyed. He tells them that there will be persecution. He tells them that there will be leaders who attempt to lead them astray. But, most of all, Jesus tells them to not be afraid.
In Luke 21:17-19, he tells them to persevere and take a firm stand and when the end comes, he tells them to take heart.
One of the greatest fallacies that has been purported on Christianity has been that we are to be terrified at the coming signs. Jesus explicitly says that we are to look forward to these signs because they mean that he is returning. We are not to be fearful, we are not to cower. We are to stand firm in our faith because Jesus Christ is coming to reign.
Fanaticism will push at us, expecting Christians to take one side or another, rather than following in the footsteps of the man who died to save us from our sins. His ministry was never about fear or worry, but love and peace. He died to give us freedom from those things and he rose again to give us hope.
“Stand and lift up your head, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28)
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