First the pandemic, now this war on the Ukraine. Many are terrified of one thing or another. Many are lamenting the state of our world. Yet, what is the Christian response to be when it appears as if this world is crumbling around us? Jesus told us:
“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” — Luke 21:28 NASB
When Jesus spoke these words, He was outside the temple in Jerusalem, watching a poor widow give two small copper coins. Some people were talking about how beautifully the temple was adorned. Jesus warned them about “these things which you are looking at” and stated that a day would come when all of it would be torn down and not one stone would remain upon another (Luke 21:1-6).
Of course, they asked Him when this destruction was going to happen. They asked Him for a sign. Jesus warned them about being misled by people claiming to be the Savior or stating “the time is near.” Jesus told them, “do not go after them” (Luke 21:8).
But, He also told them: “When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately” (Luke 21:9) and “nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:10-11).
Sounds pretty grim, right?
But wait, there’s more. Jesus next told the disciples that they would be persecuted, even betrayed by their own families, for His sake. Jesus assured them, however, that the trials would lead to “an opportunity for your testimony.” He also reminded them of their eternal lives: “Yet not a hair on your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives” (Luke 21:12-19).
As we face all the tribulations that will take place during our lifetimes, we must remember that all these horrible things must take place before Jesus will return and God will redeem everything with a new heaven and earth.
In this same conversation with His disciples, Jesus told them “these are days of vengeance, so that all things which are written are to be fulfilled” (Luke 21:22). Jesus described “men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:26).
So, am I one of those claiming “the time is near?” No. I have no idea if the end times are upon us. My point is when things in the world cause us to be terrified, we should remember that Jesus warned us about terrible times and told us what to do when those times happen.
Jesus reminded the people that the horrible times must happen so that prophecy, God’s Word, would be fulfilled. Next, He pointed out that tough times produce opportunities for our testimonies. Then, Jesus reminded the people what the Scriptures say about His return: “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27).
We must remember that we know the end of the story! If everything in the Scriptures must be fulfilled, then the return of the Lord, His everlasting power and glory, and our own eternal lives must control our response to the tragedies of our lives.
After telling the disciples this very thing, Jesus said this: “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).
As Jesus-followers, as believers in the Word of God, we must straighten up and lift our heads. We must not react like others who fear destruction in our world. We do not rejoice in it, but we can stand firm, lifting our heads to gaze at the heavens—awaiting the return of our Savior.
Jesus closed this teaching with these words:
Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on your suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.
But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:32-36 NASB).
We are not to be brought down by the worries of life. We are to be on guard, to keep on the alert, knowing that all things written in the Word of God will come to pass, including not only destruction, but also the glorious return of Jesus. We are to keep praying and seeking God so that we are ready when it is our time to stand before the Son of Man. We do not know whether we will see Jesus here on earth, coming in a cloud of power, or in heaven, seated at the right hand of the Father. Nevertheless, we should keep preparing to meet Him, understanding that many things will happen to us and our world before that day.
