What will I do?

Luke 21: 5-19

Herod's Temple was one of the larger construction projects of the 1st century BC. Josephus records that Herod was interested in perpetuating his name through building projects, that his construction programs were extensive and paid for by heavy taxes, but that his masterpiece was the Temple of Jerusalem.  A magnificent edifice replaced the old temple built by Zerubbabel.

The disciples of Jesus were very overwhelmed by how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings and I’m sure were not prepared for these words from Jesus. “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”  (Luke 21:6)

“And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”  (Luke 21:7-9 ESV)

It was almost 40 years later the Romans under Titus destroyed the temple, leaving only part of the Western wall standing, today it is referred to as the Wailing Wall.  And the message from Jesus holds through time; “See that you are not led astray.”  But our History shows many are led astray, but in almost every major war religious people have wondered, is Jesus coming back at this time?

But this is not the end of the story, for Jesus goes on in verses 10-19 to state that nations will rise against nations and there will be all kinds of natural disasters and His disciples will be rounded up and persecuted and remember it is part of God’s plan, and each of them - us will be given the words to speak at that time.

This is what Jesus said, “But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.”  (Luke 21:12-19 ESV)

How often I do not settle it in my mind, and I play the game of this is what I will do or say, it’s foolishness, for all power lies in our being willing to trust and wait on the Holy Spirit to speak through us.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice