The Times of the Signs

Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost

November 17, 2013

Luke 21

The Times of the Signs

In the name of Jesus.

I.

Everybody believes that the world going to end. The only difference is a question of when. The religion of “Science” claims that life on this world will end when our sun dies out in six billion years. For others the world ends every Monday morning.

But the truth is much more personal and much less distant. The truth is the world is going to end soon and when it does, every person will begin or continue their never-ending existence in heaven or in hell.

II.

The end of the world is coming soon. Jesus told us to watch for the signs before He died. Just like you know winter is around the corner when the leaves fall (or when it snows), the times of these signs will be all around us.

“Nation will be raised up against nation . . . There will be violent earthquakes, and famines . . . They will kill some of you. You will be hated by everyone because of My name. (Luke 21:10-11, 16-17)

Unlike many who are looking for events that will trigger the end of the world or will tell us that the End is only hours away, Jesus makes it clear that His Church will always exist in the final days. All the things He predicts have been happening since He ascended into heaven.

Wars and spying and politics. Yes, we have that. Earthquakes and famines and disease. Yes, we have that. Some Christians being murdered. Yes, we have that, even though most of us aren't aware of the details. In Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Indonesia, churches are burned and Christians are murdered. And even here, “parents, brothers, relatives, and friends” betray us. Not just by their greed and lust and apathy, but their denial of the Gospel itself.

The end is surely near when pastors and fathers fail to rebuke their grown children, the souls under their care, for their regular refusal to go to their nearest congregation and receive Christ's preaching and His body and blood.

III.

Pray for the end to come so that we might escape this evil world and go home. Pray that those who stay away from Christ's church will repent and turn to trust that the kingdom of God is near.

Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:34-36)

Guard yourself with prayer. Pray with your hands, both folded and active, knowing that one day those hands will be made new by the hands of our Creator and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

The signs are clear. Time is running out and eternity will begin soon because the Man who was nailed by hand to a cross at the fullness of Time is coming back.

In the name of the Father

and of the † Son

and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.