Luke 21:29-38
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s meditation we come to the end of Jesus’ prophecy about the fall of Jerusalem and the end of the present age. Read Luke 21:29-38 slowly and prayerfully stopping to notice anything that seems to stand out as you read.
As we have considered, the signs Jesus speaks of throughout this prophetic discourse are as apparent today as they ever were. But because of the over-connected nature of our culture, prolific news of war, natural disasters, and disturbing cultural and political trends can become noise that we largely ignore. But the tree is in leaf, and Jesus calls us to be aware.
The Greek word for “generation” can have several meanings. And for those of with the benefit of hindsight, it is obvious that Jesus did not mean that his first century listeners would see every aspect of his prophecy fulfilled in their lifetimes. But both Matthew and Mark record Jesus saying that no one except God the Father knows when the end of the age will come (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32). So we wait. And Jesus says that we are to wait expectantly for this mystery of God to be revealed.
Think about the popular adage: “Live each day as if it were your last.” Then change that saying to: “Live each day as if Jesus were going to return tomorrow.” Consider how this perspective might change the way you move through the world, and then share your thoughts with Jesus.
Read Luke 21:29-38 again.
The idea of eternity is woven into the human psyche, and we avoid thinking about it to our peril. When we attempt to numb ourselves to the mystery of Jesus’ return, either through misuse of substances or a focus on the temporal things of the world, we run the risk of missing out on the larger meaning and purpose of life.
For the final moments of this time of reflection, imagine you are among the crowds of people who sense something so compelling in Jesus’ teaching that they gather each morning to listen to him. Contemplate his words below:
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” – John 10:9-10
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” – Luke 9:24-25
What is Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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