Then He [Jesus] said…Nation will rise against nation…There will be great earthquakes…terrors and great signs from heaven…they will lay their hands on you and persecute you…This will be your opportunity to bear witness…I will give you…wisdom…none of your adversaries will be able to withstand…You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.
Luke 21:10-23
Some of the Disciples were commenting about the beauty of the Temple. Jesus used the occasion to give them some prophecy. When we read in the Scriptures of prophecies, there usually is a twofold fulfillment of the prophecy, a near time and a far time fulfillment. As Jesus introduces this prophecy, He speaks of nations and kingdoms rising against one another, of earthly catastrophes, of famines and pestilences throughout the earth and, of fearful and great heavenly signs. Jesus adds that before these prophecies begin to be fulfilled, the Disciples will be persecuted by their fellow Jews and by the rulers of the land, Romans and other future rulers. Jesus comforts their fears at this prophecy by telling them not worry about what to say when they encounter severe persecution because, when they are brought before kings and governors, synagogue rulers and religious leaders, Jesus will give them the words to say at that time. He assures them that these adversaries will not be able to resist or contradict their testimony. Jesus ends His comments of the prophecies by telling His Disciples, “Stand firm and you will win life.” Now, Jesus continues to give the Disciples some insight into the near time fulfillment of this prophecy which occurred in 70 AD. The Roman armies came into Jerusalem to bring its Pax Romana to a restless and belligerent Jewish people. There are separate historical writings of the 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem and it has been referred to in a previous devotional. Through the millennium since, partial fulfillment of this prophecy has occurred. As Christians, we are to live in expectation of Jesus’ return at any moment, the far time fulfillment of His prophecy. When we live that way, we will not be surprised by His appearing in the heavens. Christians, look up! For our redemption is near!!
Source: S C Ball May 1, 2023
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