Luke 21 Devotional

Looking Up When Heaven Shakes

“When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.””Luke 21:28 (BSB)

Jesus sees a poor widow drop two small coins into the temple treasury and says she has given more than all the rich, because she gave all she had to live on (21:1-4). Moments later his disciples admire the temple's beautiful stones, and Jesus tells them every one will be thrown down (21:5-6). What looks impressive can fall, and what God sees is what lasts.

He then speaks of deceivers, wars, persecution and armies surrounding Jerusalem (21:8-24). Some will be betrayed by their own families, and some will be put to death (21:16). Yet he promises them words and wisdom when they stand trial, and says that nothing of them will finally be lost (21:15, 21:18). When the heavens are shaken and people faint with fear, his followers are to stand and look up, because their redemption is close (21:26-28). The Son of Man is coming in power and glory (21:27). Because his words will outlast heaven and earth (21:33), you can face an unsteady world without being ruled by fear.

To think about: What unsettling news or uncertainty has been pulling your eyes down lately, and what would it look like to look up to the coming Son of Man instead?