What Jesus Did! 'Escape Jerusalem, Expect His Coming' — Luke 21:20-28

Friday, November 27, 2015

"You will see armies all around Jerusalem. Then you will know that the time for the destruction of Jerusalem has come. At that time, the people in Judea should run away to the mountains. The people in Jerusalem must leave quickly. If you are near the city, don't go in! The prophets wrote many things about the time when God will punish his people. The time I am telling you about is the time when all these things must happen. At that time, it will be bad for women that are pregnant or have small babies. Why? Because very bad times will come to this land. God will be angry with these people (the Jews). Some of the people will be killed by soldiers. Other people will be made prisoners and taken to every country. The holy city of Jerusalem will be walked on by non-Jewish people until their time is finished. Amazing things will happen with the sun, moon, and stars. The people on earth will feel trapped. The oceans will be upset, and the people will not know why. People will become afraid. They will be very worried about what will happen to the world. Everything in the sky will be changed. Then people will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, don't fear. Look up and be happy! Don't worry. Be happy, because you know that the time when God will free you is near!"
— Luke 21:20-28 NLT
Illustration of Luke 21:20-28 NLT — Then people will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.

Key Thought

Jesus warned that the destruction of Jerusalem would come. The inhabitants needed to be ready to escape that disaster. Many of the Christians of Jerusalem followed Jesus' word and did escape to safety when the time came. So they needed not fear, only look forward to that day with hope and confidence. But for us, there will also come a time when he will come again and return in glory with salvation. We, too, need to look forward to that day with confidence and hope, knowing that even in our worst moments, the Lord is near and his return is never far away.

Today's Prayer

Gracious God and Almighty LORD, I look forward to the day of Jesus' return in glory. Use me to help others prepare for that day and to be ready to greet it with confidence. Until then, make my hope in your Son's return burn brightly in my heart until the sky shines brightly with his glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Timothy 4:6-8
  • Philippians 3:20-21
  • Romans 8:18-23

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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