And There Will Be Signs
December 5, 2024 | Nick Etter
About the Author: Nick Etter has attended ZPC with his wife, Emily, for six years. Nick has attended ZPC since childhood. Nick serves as a leader in the Young Adults Ministry and volunteers with NextGen on Sundays and during VBS. In addition, Nick will join the Deacon Class of 2027 and has also been involved with Great Banquet. The Etters are part of a Young Adults Home Group, where they've made many close friends. Outside of ZPC, they enjoy spending time with their dog, Finn, and exploring local restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries.
25 “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. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:25-28
“There will be signs.” This sobering truth is both a relief and also an intimidating reality. Jesus made it clear that there will be no room for doubt when he returns. Though it is our human nature to question and doubt things in our world, his return will be unmistakable. Let us not worry about when this time will come, let us not worry about misunderstanding the occasion, let us be thankful that our Lord has foretold of a glorious and triumphant return. His return will be tremendous and, in that moment, all pain and suffering will be abolished forever.
Although this will be made clear to us, it will not be clear to the world. Like we saw in Exodus with Pharaoh’s magicians, the unknowing world will attempt to explain and rationalize the signs, but our text says they will become “perplexed.” This warning prepares us for the world’s confusion at Jesus’s return, which may create significant challenges for Christians. Some will openly oppose Jesus, while others may fear losing the power and wealth they have on Earth. Let us take this Advent time to prepare ourselves for his return in the opposite way. Let us practice patience, show grace, and open our hearts as Jesus did for us. Let us strive to act as he did.
During his time on Earth, Jesus demonstrated the importance of separating from the world, particularly through moments of prayer and solitude with his father. These times, free from distraction, are just as essential for us. In our imperfection, we are unable to offer the worship and praise our loving Father deserves. However, by stepping away from the world, we can create space to do so.
Jesus also displayed love and kindness to others above all else. He rebelled against the expectations of his time by healing on the Sabbath and caring for the sick. Let us follow his example by using our time and resources to help others - time and resources the world would tell us to cling to.
Prayer
Jesus, our Lord and Savior,
You control the sun, the moon, the stars, and the seas. Help us patiently await your return. Bless us with calm days and minds as we continue into this Advent season. Let us use this calmness to deepen our relationship with you. Let us prepare for your triumphant return by raising our heads to look for those in need. Let us give our time and resources, as we received these gifts from you.
Amen.