Jesus Comments on the End Times

Text: Luke 21:5-19

Reflection and Question: Jesus speaks the truth when he says “the end will not follow immediately.” Indeed, the signs He speaks of are still with us: wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famines and plagues. What is not particularly common for us is the experience of persecution of the church, which he describes vividly and which was probably very common for Christians before Constantine established Christian faith as the religion of the Roman Empire. And yet the truth remains: “By standing firm you will win true life for yourself.” When has your standing firm risked persecution, betrayal or death?

Prayer: Jesus, our Brother and Savior, we do not want to be misled by false teachers claiming Your truth and power. Open our eyes to the service in this world You desire of us. If some hate us for our faith, give us the strength to stand firm. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).