Like We Know

Read This Week: Luke 21

There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming in the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near. – Luke 21:25-28 NIV

Signs of things to come always have implications and a bearing on the present. When we can sense what lies ahead, we can prepare for the current moment. Living in the present while looking to the future is the essence of the Christian journey. We look ahead to eternity and what awaits us in heaven while allowing that truth and glory to inform our purpose, behavior, and decisions here on earth. Luke 21 contains some alarming teachings of the end times that should also strengthen the believer to live with anticipation, faith, and vitality.

Christ says in verses 20-28 that many disturbing and difficult things will happen in times of tribulation. He declares that Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies (v.20), those in Judea will flee to the mountains (v.21), and there will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. He goes on to say that the nations will be in anguish (v.25), and people will faint from terror

Despite all these harrowing events and the coming judgment, Jesus tells His followers and us to stand up and look up because we know help is there. Help that is not in the sky or clouds themselves, but in the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When we lift our heads and look to God, we do not look anxiously or nervously. We look with faith that help will come from the Lord and be exactly what we need. We look with confidence. We look like we know.

To look like we know means to look in expectation, to watch in hope. Like we are waiting on something of which we are sure. It is to look for God with an understanding of His flawless character, impeccable timing, pure intention, and perfect will. Like we have certainty of His sovereign power and irresistible grace. The world and any circumstance that it can send our way now and for all time is no match for the redemptive supremacy of God and the status He gives us as His children. 

We can lift up our heads and look like we know in life regardless of whatever awaits. We can look like we know because God is coming for us. He is our redeemer, helper, and keeper. The Lord guards and watches over us and attends to our every need. He is the maker of heaven and earth and the architect of ultimate redemption through His sovereign plan of salvation. We can stand firm in our day-to-day lives and future prospects because we have and worship a risen Savior who is bigger and more powerful than any apprehension of what is coming in the world.

5 Comments

  1. Javaid Ahmed on August 3, 2022 at 12:32 pm

    God drew my attention to verses 5,6,34,35,36 in Luke 21.

    5 And as some were saying of the temple that it was decorated with handsome (shapely and magnificent) stones and consecrated offerings [[a]laid up to be kept], He said,
    6 As for all this that you [thoughtfully] look at, the time will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.
    34 But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the [m]giddiness and headache and [n]nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the [o]business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose;
    35 For it will come upon all who live upon the face of the entire earth.
    36 Keep awake then and watch at all times [be discreet, attentive, and ready], praying that you may have the full strength and ability and be accounted worthy to escape all these things [taken together] that will take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.

    What He said to me about this is : “I do not need tribute. I do not need gifts. Those are based on earthly ways and are short sighted. You know that what I wish from you is to be with Me, connected, a line of love and understanding and growth together. It is easy to lose sight of your path and to fall away from Me as is in your nature, but fear not my boy, I am always pulling at you, tugging your arm to see the right direction and will always protect you when you’re with Me. Don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today.”

    To me this means that we are the church and God only cares about what he teaches us. Everything else is filler and created by humans for humans but has no bearing on our relationship with God. We simply need to be connected, listening and responding to God. It is our duty to stand firm in our faith and be proactive with our learning from God and implementing into others as much as we can as soldiers of God.

  2. reachchurch on August 7, 2022 at 12:13 pm

    This Week in the Life: Luke 21

    For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, then the message, and then the second song.

    1. Sunday Worship: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-0807-Worship1.wav
    2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-0807-Message.wav
    3. Sunday Worship: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-0807-Worship2.wav

    Join the Party Line Live – Schedule: https://reachchurch.org/connect

  3. Heidi on August 8, 2022 at 7:07 pm

    Luke 21:36 But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming].”

    God was saying to me
    Be ready everyday, there will always be something or someone who can try to distract you so you have to keep alert at all times, when your talking to me all through out your day is where you find the strength and ability to get you through!

    What this means to me is it’s so important to be talking to my Father all the time to help me in these times. There will always be something to try to get you off track. I’m so thankful that we have a Father who cares about us He is always here to help us through.
    Thank you God ❤️

    • Alma on August 9, 2022 at 2:22 pm

      This week I got a song in Luke 21
      A song for Jesus
      Sitting here writing a song a song for Jesus sitting here writing a song a song for Jesus we are your children wanting to seek you seek you in everything we do through the storms through the good and the bad you are our comfort you are our counselor we can always depend on you we are sitting here singing a song to you Lord singing a song to you praising worshiping and spending time with you amen

      Thank you Lord for helping me to seek you to lean on you and to trust you help me to remember you are always with me and helping me. I know you love me and help me to feel your love deep within my heart to give me strength. Love your daughter

  4. Kathy on August 16, 2022 at 4:10 pm

    This was what I got from Luke 21. Give sacrificially. I love a cheerful giver. Jesus is far more interested in the faith, the motive, and the heart in giving than simply the amount. Don’t make the excuse “I will give when I have more.” Do not let things in your life become idols. Sometimes I take good things away in your life that become idols. You need to prepare for the day of Jesus ‘s return. Watch so that you are not caught in a snare. Pray always. If you listen to and obey Jesus, you can escape trial and destruction later. Help others to get ready too. Help them not to be left behind.

    What this said to me is there was an urgency in this chapter to get ready and to be ready. I need to prepare by staying in God’s word, and obeying it. I need to continue to bring others to Him.

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