Storm
Bouguereau, William Adolphe, 1825-1905. Storm, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56053 [retrieved November 26, 2021]. Original source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:L%27Orage_(The_Storm),_by_William-Adolphe_Bouguereau.jpg.
Exploring the Text: What’s next?
As Jesus wraps up telling his first disciples about his second coming, he talks about distress, confusion, fear, and anxiety. These feelings are often associated with the end times, but they are feelings that we identify with in our daily lives as well. We all know what it is like to struggle with distress, confusion, fear, and anxiety. Jesus tells his first disciples something very interesting in verse 28. He says that when all these things that he has talked about in the first part of the chapter begin to take place, and when we start to notice the distress, confusion, fear, and anxiety begin to seep in, that we should take heart because we know our redemption is near.
Jesus’ response to these things is very different than ours is. When we are struggling under the weight of all these emotions, we tend to feel hopeless. Instead, Jesus sees encouragement and hope. His focus is always on the promises of God and as things get darker, it just means that the promise of God is closer. As Jesus followers we don’t need to be afraid of what the future holds because we know that the ultimate future holds our ultimate hope. There is an old saying that tells it is always darkest just before the dawn. That is what Jesus is telling his followers here and us today. We can get dismayed by the darkness or we can recognize that the dawn is getting close.
As Jesus wraps up telling his first disciples about his second coming, he talks about distress, confusion, fear, and anxiety. These feelings are often associated with the end times, but they are feelings that we identify with in our daily lives as well. We all know what it is like to struggle with distress, confusion, fear, and anxiety. Jesus tells his first disciples something very interesting in verse 28. He says that when all these things that he has talked about in the first part of the chapter begin to take place, and when we start to notice the distress, confusion, fear, and anxiety begin to seep in, that we should take heart because we know our redemption is near.
Jesus’ response to these things is very different than ours is. When we are struggling under the weight of all these emotions, we tend to feel hopeless. Instead, Jesus sees encouragement and hope. His focus is always on the promises of God and as things get darker, it just means that the promise of God is closer. As Jesus followers we don’t need to be afraid of what the future holds because we know that the ultimate future holds our ultimate hope. There is an old saying that tells it is always darkest just before the dawn. That is what Jesus is telling his followers here and us today. We can get dismayed by the darkness or we can recognize that the dawn is getting close.
Exploring the Text: Changing seasons
The Thanksgiving holiday is now over and the Christmas season has begun. We all feel the hustle and bustle of this time of year. Decorations need to be hung, gifts purchased, food prepared, and the list goes on and on. It seems as though this is the busiest time of the year. Everything has to be done for that December 25th deadline. However, it is important not to lose sight of the true meaning of the season.
Even though it is a hectic time, there are also a lot of welcoming signs of Christmas. As the song says ”it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Decorations are so pretty, the music fills our hearts, and there is just a certain “buzz” in the air.
Our scripture passage today, reminds us of another season. That is the coming of the Lord. As the time approaches, we can see signs here as well. One can see that the world is certainly changing. Even weather patterns are changing. With each passing day, the season is closer and closer to us.
Just as with the Christmas season, we must not lose sight of Jesus. The business of life can get in the way, and we can lose our focus if not careful. The main point is to be ready to meet Jesus when He comes. Unlike Christmas, we do not know what specific day He is coming. We can however see that the season of the Lord’s return is upon us.
Have a Merry Christmas but also be prepared for the coming of the Lord as well. Most importantly, let’s remember to serve the Lord in everything that we say and do, no matter the season.
Rick Heinrich
The Thanksgiving holiday is now over and the Christmas season has begun. We all feel the hustle and bustle of this time of year. Decorations need to be hung, gifts purchased, food prepared, and the list goes on and on. It seems as though this is the busiest time of the year. Everything has to be done for that December 25th deadline. However, it is important not to lose sight of the true meaning of the season.
Even though it is a hectic time, there are also a lot of welcoming signs of Christmas. As the song says ”it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Decorations are so pretty, the music fills our hearts, and there is just a certain “buzz” in the air.
Our scripture passage today, reminds us of another season. That is the coming of the Lord. As the time approaches, we can see signs here as well. One can see that the world is certainly changing. Even weather patterns are changing. With each passing day, the season is closer and closer to us.
Just as with the Christmas season, we must not lose sight of Jesus. The business of life can get in the way, and we can lose our focus if not careful. The main point is to be ready to meet Jesus when He comes. Unlike Christmas, we do not know what specific day He is coming. We can however see that the season of the Lord’s return is upon us.
Have a Merry Christmas but also be prepared for the coming of the Lord as well. Most importantly, let’s remember to serve the Lord in everything that we say and do, no matter the season.
Rick Heinrich