Luke 21:5-19 (NRSV)
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Verse 5When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, Verse 6"As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." Verse 7They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" Verse 8And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. Verse 9"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Verse 10Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; Verse 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. Verse 12"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. Verse 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. Verse 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; Verse 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. Verse 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. Verse 17You will be hated by all because of my name. Verse 18But not a hair of your head will perish. Verse 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Devotion
In these days of autumn, when trees become bare and nights grow longer, our thoughts may turn to end times: the end of the year, changes happening around us, reminders of loss. However much we might long for the new life of spring, first we must experience the end of what comes before. There is no avoiding it.
Jesus told the people that the days would come when all the stones of the temple would be thrown down. They asked him when this would be, worried about something so important to them coming to an end. Jesus answered by warning them not to follow any other who would try to lead them through those uncertain times.
When we experience “end times” and changes of seasons in our lives, we must not look to false messiahs who promise quick fixes or avoidance of pain. Our hope is in Jesus, the Risen Christ, who leads us from death into life.
Prayer
Loving God, you give us new life every morning. Help us to rise every day in the light of your love and to follow you through whatever comes our way. Amen.