Luke 21:25-33: a reflection

25“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; 26men fainting for fear and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.” 29He told them a parable. “See the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near. 31Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that God’s Kingdom is near. 32Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.

Jesus describes a time of upheaval and fear: distress among the nations, the sea and waves roaring, people fainting with dread at what is coming upon the world, the very powers of the heavens shaken. It is a picture of a world in crisis, and the natural response to such things is terror. But then Jesus says something surprising: when these things begin to happen, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

While others faint with fear, followers of Jesus are told to look up. The same events that fill the world with dread are, for those who belong to Christ, signs that their redemption is approaching. Jesus points to the fig tree: as its budding leaves signal that summer is near, so these signs signal that God's kingdom is near. And he anchors it all with a promise of stunning certainty: heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

This reshapes how you can face frightening times, whether the great upheavals of the world or the smaller crises of your own life. While fear says look down and despair, Jesus says look up, for your redemption is near. The One who holds the future has told you the end of the story, and his word will never fail. When the world shakes and dread presses in, lift your head. For those who belong to Christ, even the darkest signs are pointing toward the nearness of his coming and the redemption he brings.

Lord Jesus, while the world faints with fear at times of upheaval, you tell your people to look up, for our redemption is near. When the world shakes and dread presses in, lift my head. Anchor me in your promise that heaven and earth will pass away but your words never will. Help me to face frightening times not with despair but with hope, watching for your coming. Amen.