Lucas 21
J.C. Ryle · Citado em PreceptAustin
Lucas 21
Ryle - The subject of this portion of our Lord's great prophecy, is His own second coming to judge the world. The strong expressions of the passage appear inapplicable to any event less important than this. To confine the words before us, to the taking of Jerusalem by the Romans, in an unnatural straining of Scripture language. We see, firstly, in this passage — how terrible will be the circumstances accompanying the second coming of Christ. Our Lord tells us that "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. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." This is a singularly solemn picture. It may not be easy perhaps to attach a precise meaning to every part of it. One thing however, is abundantly plain. The second coming of Christ will be attended by everything which can make it alarming to the senses and heart of man. If the giving of the law at Sinai was so terrible that even Moses said, "I exceedingly fear and tremble" — then the return of Christ when He comes to earth in power and great glory, shall be much more terrible. If the hardy Roman soldiers "became as dead men," when an angel rolled the stone away and Christ rose again — then how much greater will the terror be when Christ shall return to judge the world. No wonder that Paul said, "Knowing the terrors of the Lord, we persuade men." (Hebrews 12:21; Matthew 28:4; 2 Corinthians 5:11.) The thoughtless and impenitent man may well tremble, when he hears of this second coming of Christ. What will he do when worldly business is suddenly stopped, and the precious things of the world are made worthless? What will he do when the graves on every side are opening, and the trumpet is summoning men to judgment? What will he do when that same Jesus whose Gospel he has so shamefully neglected — shall appear in the clouds of Heaven, and put down every enemy under His feet? Surely he will call on the rocks to fall on him, and on the hills to cover him. (Hosea 10:8.) But he will call in vain for help, if he has never called on Christ before. Happy will they be in that day — who have fled beforehand from the wrath to come, and been washed in the blood of the Lamb! Don't Despair, Share Read: 2 Peter 3 Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. —2 Peter 3:14 During these days of horrific world events, Christians should be appalled but not taken by surprise. Jesus forewarned us of terrible times to come (Luke 21:25-28). In today’s reading, Peter reassured believers by reminding them of God’s unfolding purposes and final victory. The apostle described ungodly scoffers, who in the last days will say, “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:4). We too may wonder why Christ doesn’t come back and change things now. Peter affirmed that the Lord “is not slack concerning His promise,” but delays His return to give people everywhere more time to repent (v.9). We mustn’t forget that “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (v.8). Eventually the day of the Lord will come, bringing a judgment of consuming fire. This will be followed by a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness and of God’s forgiven people (v.13). As we anticipate that triumphant day, we must live consistent, holy lives (v.14), resist all evil influences (v.17), and grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (v.18). Then, instead of despairing over evil, we will be able to share the good news of Jesus with the world. We know not when the Lord may come To right the wrongs of this old earth, But this we know—He's left us here To share good news of second birth. —Hess We don't know what this world is coming to, but we know the One who is coming to this world. Luke 21:26 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. KJV Luke 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. AMP Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter.
Lucas 21
Ryle - We see, secondly, in this passage — how complete will be the security of true Christians at the second coming of Christ. We read that our Lord said to His disciples, "When these things begin to come to pass — then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near." However terrible the signs of Christ's second coming may be to the impenitent — they need not strike terror into the heart of the true believer. They ought rather to fill him with joy. They ought to remind him that his complete deliverance from sin, the world and the devil — is close at hand; and that he shall soon bid an eternal farewell to sickness, sorrow, death and temptation! The very day when the unconverted man shall lose everything — shall be the day when the believer shall enter on his eternal reward. The very hour when the worldly man's hopes shall perish — shall be the hour when the believer's hope shall be exchanged for joyful certainty and full possession. The servant of God should often look forward to Christ's second coming. He will find the thought of that day to be a cordial to sustain him under all the trials and persecutions of this present life. "Yet a little while," let him remember, "and he who shall come — will come and will not tarry." The words of Isaiah shall be fulfilled, "He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces — and will remove the disgrace of His people." One sure method for a patient spirit, is to expect little from this world, and to be ever waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ! Bob Gass - Dr. C. M. Ward tells of flying on a plane with a 7’ 4” basketball star. Ward, an avid sports fan, asked him, “When you’re told to ‘block’ a player, what do you look at? His eyes, to see which way he is looking? His feet, to give you an indication as to which way he might run?” The young man replied, “No, Reverend, I look at his belly button—until that moves, he ain’t goin’ nowhere!” Point well taken! Jerusalem is the political and spiritual “navel” of the world, and until things begin to move there—we ain’t goin’ nowhere! Jesus said, “Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24). The “last days” began in May 1948 when the Jews miraculously came home from the four corners of the world, to establish Jerusalem as the capitol of their new nation. In spite of death camps, and assimilation into the nations of the world, God preserved their identity and fulfilled His Word. Why? To prove to a skeptical, doubting world that, “The Most High ruleth in the affairs of men” (Daniel 4:17). Now if He kept that promise (see Amos 9:14–15), He’ll keep this one too: “At that time they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). REJOICE, CHILD OF GOD—JESUS IS COMING AGAIN; YOU CAN ABSOLUTELY COUNT ON IT! (A Fresh Word for Today) David Jeremiah - PROMISES AND PREDICTIONS LUKE 21:28 In 1949, the magazine Popular Science predicted, “Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.” In 1977, Ken Olsen, founder of Digital Equipment Corporation, said, “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” Bill Gates said in 1981, “640K ought to be enough for anybody.” Making predictions is risky business—unless you are God! According to John Wesley White, the coming again of Christ and the end of the age occupies some 1,845 scriptural verses, and each one offers sure and certain hope for the Christian. Just consider these promises: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). “I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3). “Behold, I am coming quickly!” (Revelation 22:7). Vance Havner said, “We are not just looking for something to happen, we are looking for Someone to come! And when these things begin to come to pass, we are not to drop our heads in discouragement or shake our heads in despair, but rather lift up our heads in delight.” (Sanctuary) Luke 21:29 Then He told them a parable: "Behold the fig tree and all the trees; KJV Luke 21:29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; Behold the fig tree and all the trees Mt 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-30 Luke 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 21:25-38 On Guard! He’s Coming! - Steven Cole Luke 21:29-33 The Final Generation of the Future Judgment - John MacArthur Related Passages: Matthew 24:32+ “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; Mark 13:28+ “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. AN AGRICULTURAL ANALOGY Then - This is not tote but kai and is translated as "and" by ESV and KJV. NAS, NET, et al, translate it as "then" because it implies "a sequence of events within the narrative." (NET Note) It clearly links the teaching of the parable to the preceding description of the end of the age. He told them - Matthew and Mark both add that He gave them a command (aorist imperative - speaks of urgency) to learn (manthano) Parable (3850)(parabole from para = beside, near + ballo = throw, cast) is literally a throwing beside or placing of one thing by the side of another. In the NT parabole is "a rhetorical figure of speech, setting one thing beside another to form a comparison or illustration." (Friberg Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) Behold - A command in the aorist imperative to perceive or pay attention. This command often conveys a sense of urgency. Fig tree and all the trees - As noted below in Nelson's comment the addition of "all the trees" differentiates this parable from other Scriptures which use the fig tree as an illustration of Israel as Jesus did earlier in Luke 13:6-7-note. Jesus' point here is simply that a budding tree of any type, which occurs in the spring, signifies summer is near. And in the same way, the "budding" of signs (so to speak) described in the previous section, signifies the coming of Christ and end of the age is near. He will go on to give several commands that call for a sense of readiness and alertness (Lk 21:34, 36). Fig tree (4808)(suke from sukon = a fig) is the fig-tree, which in Latin is the word ficus (see Wikipedia). Neil D. Nelson notes that the fig tree "is not a type of Israel (Ed: Some say the budding symbolizes Israel becoming a nation in 1948 but such an interpretation is completely unfounded!). Jesus instead used it to make a straightforward analogy. (This is evident in the Luke parallel where Jesus said: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees." Any deciduous fruit tree would make the same point.) Just as the budding fig tree inevitably results in a harvest of figs, so the events of Mt 24:4-25 will inevitably usher in the judgment of the Son of Man at His coming. (Journal of Dispensational Theology - Volume 11:33 Aug 2007) Luke 21:30 as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. Luke 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 21:25-38 On Guard! He’s Coming! - Steven Cole Luke 21:29-33 The Final Generation of the Future Judgment - John MacArthur SPRING IS SPRUNG Parallel passages: Matthew 24:32 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; Mark 13:28-30 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. As soon as they put forth leaves - The phrase as soon as adds a note of urgency regarding this observation. Given that it was Spring in Israel, some of the trees may have been putting forth leaves even as Jesus spoke. Put forth (4261)(proballo from pro = before, in front of + ballo = throw) literally means throw before. In Acts 19:33 it means to put forward, cause to come forward. BDAG - push someone forward to speak in the theater. Only other NT use in Lk 21:30 means sending out or putting out new growth. Gilbrant - The Greek orator Demosthenes (Fourth Century B.C.) used it in the sense of “to put (someone) forward” (18.149). The Greek philosopher Epictetus (late First Century A.D.) used proballō of plants putting out fruit (Discourses 1.15.7). In the Septuagint proballō is used for putting forth words to men (Pr 26:18, Septuagint only) or, in the case of Samson, propounding a riddle to the Philistines (Jdg 14:12,13,16-note). (Ibid) Proballo - 11x in 11v in Septuagint - Jdg. 14:12; Jdg. 14:13; Jdg. 14:16; Prov. 22:21; Prov. 26:18; Jer. 46:4 Norman Crawford - After the bare and barren state of the fig tree throughout winter, the first green shoots of spring tell that the summer is at hand....The suddenness of the appearance of the manifest kingdom is graphically expressed by Luke's use of the expression "they now shoot forth" (proballō). (What the Bible Teaches: Luke ) Behold, I am coming quickly. -- Revelation 22:7,12+ You see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near - Seeing is believing so to speak. In Matthew's parallel discourse, Jesus warned about false Christs who would mislead making false claims, but when one sees the clear, unmistakable signs (visible like the budding leaves of the trees), then and only then can you know that the visible aspect of the Kingdom of God is about to be manifest because of the return of the King of kings (Rev 19:16+). J C Ryle - We see, thirdly, in this passage — how needful it is to watch the signs of the times in the prospect of the second coming of Christ. Our Lord teaches this lesson by a parable, "Behold the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening — you know that the kingdom of God is near!" The disciples ignorantly supposed that Messiah's kingdom would be ushered in by universal peace. Our Lord, on the contrary, tells them that the signs which shall immediately precede it shall be wars, confusions, perplexity, and distress. The general duty which these words should teach us, is very plain. We are to observe carefully the public events of the times in which we live. We are not to be absorbed in politics — but we are to mark political events. We are not to become prophets ourselves — but we are to study diligently the signs of our times. So doing, the day of Christ will not come upon us entirely unawares. Are there any signs in our own day? Are there any circumstances in the world around us which specially demand the believer's attention? Beyond doubt there are very many. The drying up of the Turkish empire — the revival of the Romish church — the awakened desire of the Protestant churches to preach the Gospel to the heathen — the general interest in the state of the Jews — the universal shaking of governments and established institutions — the rise and progress of the subtlest forms of infidelity — all, all are signs peculiar to our day. All should make us remember our Lord's words about the fig-tree. All should make us think of the text, "Behold, I am coming quickly." (Revelation 22:7.) Luke 21:31 "So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. KJV Luke 21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. when you see these things happening Luke 12:51-57; Mt 16:1-4 recognize that the kingdom of God is near. Hebrews 10:37; James 5:9; 1 Peter 4:7 Luke 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 21:25-38 On Guard! He’s Coming! - Steven Cole Luke 21:29-33 The Final Generation of the Future Judgment - John MacArthur HOW TO KNOW THE KING AND HIS KINGDOM ARE NEAR Parallel passages: Matthew 24:33+ so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 34 “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. Mark 13:29+ “Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 30 “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. So you also - The idea is in this same manner, the same way you saw and recognized the nearness of summer. When you see these things happening - Jesus emphasizes the visual aspect of these cosmic signs of Christ's coming with the verbs "see" (blepo) in verse 30 and "see" (horao) in this verse. The same phrase these things was used in Luke 21:28 when Jesus declared "“when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (~Redeemer) is drawing near.” What things? This would certainly be things what one could perceive and see. Therefore, in context this would most likely include the visible signs preceding His return in Lk 21:25+ and then to the ultimate sign in Lk 21:27+ (cf Mt 24:30+ = "the sign") of the Son in the sky. What a dramatic contrast will be seen when the sun which is darkened will be replaced by the Son Who is descending in radiant, majestic splendor! O glorious day! What will soon follow His return? Logically when the King of kings returns (Rev 19:16-note), He needs a Kingdom over which He can rule as absolute Sovereign. So when one sees His "sign" they can know the Kingdom of God is not far behind! These things - 8x in 7v in Luke 21 - Luke 21:6 Luke 21:7 Luke 21:9 Luke 21:12 Luke 21:28 Luke 21:31 Luke 21:36 In the version of the parable in Matthew 24:32-33 it is interesting that Jesus says "recognize that HE is near." This makes sense of course, since the Kingdom is not a Kingdom without the presence of the King. When the King returns, everything changes! John alludes to this in Revelation 11:15+ in a proleptic prophecy writing that "Then (When? see Rev 11:13+) the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” Recognize that the Kingdom of God is near - This has been the persistent object of the disciples' desire - the Kingdom of God. The disciples did not grasp that Jesus had to depart (See the prevalent Jewish eschatological beliefs in Jesus' day regarding Messiah and His Kingdom) and there would be a 2000 year interval until He would return to set up the Kingdom of God on earth, even asking Him after His resurrection “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6-note), a question that He did not refute, rebuke or correct and which makes absolutely no sense unless it were true (which it is). And so now, Jesus is giving them a parable to help them comprehend how the nearest of the Kingdom would be recognizable. They erroneously thought it was near now. It was not near in man's definition of time, but in God's definition of time a day is like a thousand years. Therefore (so to speak) only "two days" have passed since Jesus' departure. Tony Garland's discussion of the Arrival of the Kingdom of God Recognize (1097)(ginosko) means to know by experience and what an experience it will be! When you experience these things, they are like someone is "knocking at the door!" NET Note - The verb ginoskete, "know" can be parsed as either present indicative or present imperative. In this context the imperative fits better, since the movement is from analogy (trees and seasons) to the future (the signs of the coming of the kingdom) and since the emphasis is on preparation for this event. Jesus is urging the the reader to realize what is happening. Kingdom (932)(basileia from basileus = a sovereign, king, monarch) denotes sovereignty, royal power, dominion and specifically the territory or people ruled by they king. The nearness of the Kingdom was used in the letter to the Hebrews to encourage Jewish believers who were being tempted to go back to Judaism Hebrews 10:37+ FOR (see context Heb 10:36) YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. Comment - In relation to eternity, it is only very little while before Christ returns. Steven
Lucas 21
Ryle - Let us learn from these verses — the spiritual danger to which even the holiest believers are exposed in this world. Our Lord says to His disciples, "Watch out! Or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life — and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap!" These words are exceedingly startling. They were not addressed to carnal-minded Pharisees, or skeptical Sadducees, or worldly Herodians. They were addressed to Peter, James, and John, and the whole company of the Apostles. They were addressed to men who had given up everything for Christ's sake, and had proved the reality of their faith by loving obedience and steady adhesion to their Master. Yet even to them, our Lord holds out the peril of carousing, and drunkenness, and worldliness! Even to them He says, "Watch out!" The exhortation before us should teach us the immense importance of humility. There is no sin so great — but a great saint may fall into it. There is no saint so great — but he may fall into a great sin. Noah escaped the pollutions of the world before the flood — and yet he was afterwards overtaken by drunkenness. Abraham was the father of the faithful — and yet through unbelief he said falsely that Sarah was his sister. Lot did not take part in the horrible wickedness of Sodom — and yet he afterwards fell into foul sin in the cave. Moses was the meekest man on earth — and yet he so lost self-control that he spoke angrily and unadvisedly. David was a man after God's own heart — and yet he plunged into most heinous adultery. These examples are all deeply instructive. They all show the wisdom of our Lord's warning in the passage before us. They teach us to be "clothed with humility." "Let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall." (1 Peter 5:5; 1 Corinthians 10:12.) The exhortation before us should teach us the great importance of an unworldly spirit. The "cares of this life" are placed side by side with carousing and drunkenness. Excess in eating and drinking, is not the only excess which injures the soul. There is an excessive anxiety about the innocent things of this life — which is just as ruinous to our spiritual prosperity, and just as poisonous to the soul. Never, never let us forget — that we may make spiritual shipwreck on lawful things — as really and truly as on open vices! Happy is he who has learned to hold the things of this world with a loose hand, and to believe that seeking first the kingdom of God, "all other things shall be added to him!"(Matthew 6:33.) Steven
Lucas 21
Ryle - Let us learn secondly from these verses — the exceeding suddenness of our Lord's second coming. We read, "That day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap!" It will come as a trap falling suddenly on an animal, and catching it in a moment — as the lightning flash shining suddenly in the sky, before the thunder is heard — as a thief coming suddenly in the night, and not giving notice that he will come — so sudden, so instantaneous will the second coming of the Son of man be! The precise date of our Lord Jesus Christ's return to this world, has been purposely withheld from us by God. "Of that day and hour — no man knows." On one point however, all the teaching of Scripture about it is clear and unmistakable. Whenever it shall take place — it will be a most sudden and unexpected event. The business of the world shall be going on as usual. As in the days of Sodom, and the days before the flood — men shall be "eating and drinking, marrying and given in marriage." Few, even among true believers, shall be found completely alive to the great fact, and living in a state of thorough expectation. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the whole course of the world shall be stopped. The King of kings shall appear. The dead shall be raised. The living shall be changed. Unbelief shall wither away. Truth shall be known too late by myriads! The world with all its trifles and shadows shall be thrust aside. Eternity with all its solemn realities shall begin. All this shall begin at once, without notice, without warning, without note of preparation. "That day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap!" "perpetual preparedness to meet Christ." The servant of God must surely see that there is only one state of mind which befits the man who believes these things. That state is one of perpetual preparedness to meet Christ. The Gospel does not call us to retire from earthly callings, or neglect the duties of our stations. It does not bid us to retire into hermitages, or live the life of a monk or a nun. But it does bid us to live like men who expect their Lord to return! Repentance toward God, faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and holiness of conduct — are the only true habitual preparations required. The Christian who knows these things by experience — is the man who is always ready to meet his Lord. Related Resource: Second Coming of Christ - multiple devotionals, quotes During World War II occurred early in the war when the Japanese army stormed the Philippines and forced United States General Douglas MacArthur to leave the islands. Upon leaving the Philippines, General MacArthur declared his famous promise, “I shall return.” And he did, walking ashore a victor at Leyte in the Philippines several years later. In an even more famous quote, the Captain of the hosts, the Lord Jesus Christ declared to His fearful band of disciples “I will come again” (John 14:3) He that rose from the clods we expect from the clouds. - Thomas Adams A little while—then Christ will come; The glorious hour draws nigh When He will come to take His bride To dwell with Him on high. —Gilmore Christ’s second coming is as certain as His first. When it comes to belief in the Lord's return there are two kinds of Christians—gazers and goers. He is coming! Oh, the rapture To behold His lovely face, And to tell Him how I love Him, Who has saved me by His grace. —Dimmock Christ is coming—perhaps today! He who loves the coming of the Lord is not he who affirms it is far off, nor is it he who says it is near. It is he who, whether it be far or near, awaits it with sincere faith, stead-fast hope and fervent love. - Augustine That day lies hid that every day we be on the watch. - Augustine In the first advent God veiled his divinity to prove the faithful; in the second advent he will manifest his glory to reward their faith. -Chrysostom The only remedy for all this mass of misery is the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why do we not plead for it every time we hear the clock strike? - Anthony Ashley Cooper As Christians, we should not be exitists, looking for our going, but adventists, looking for his coming. - William Freel The subject of the second coming of Christ has never been popular to any but the true believer. - Billy Graham Christ hath told us he will come, but not when, that we might never put off our clothes, or put out the candle. - William Gurnall Oh, the joy to see thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to thee with glad accord—Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned, Unto earth's remotest end Glorified, adored and owned! - Frances Ridley Havergal Christ will come when he pleases, to show his sovereignty, and will not let us know when, to teach us our duty. - Matthew Henry If this (Second Coming) is not an integral part of the faith once given to the saints, I do not know what is. - C. S. Lewis Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. - C. S. Lewis The primitive church thought a great deal more about the coming of Christ than about death, and thought a great deal more about his coming than about heaven. - Alexander Maclaren I never preach a sermon without thinking that possibly the Lord may come before I preach another. - D. L. Moody Christ is coming to the earth, in such form at least as shall fulfil his purposes of mercy to his friends and justice to his foes. - Thomas V. Moore I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps he may interrupt my work and begin his own. I am not looking for death, I am looking for him. - G. Campbell Morgan There is such a danger of our being so occupied with the things that are to come more than with him who is to come. - Andrew Murray Millions of graves are dug every year, but it is inspiring to think that one generation of Christians will cheat the undertaker. - J. C. Pollock The return of Christ represents not only the ultimate sense of accountability but the ultimate sense of hope as well. - RBC Booklet Oh, that Christ would make long strides! Oh, that he would fold up the heavens as a cloak, and shovel time and days out of the way! - Samuel Rutherford There shall be no time for parting words or a change of mind when the Lord appears. -J. C. Ryle Uncertainty about the date of the Lord's return is calculated to keep believers in an attitude of constant expectation and to preserve them from despondency. - J. C. Ryle If I knew that our Lord would come this evening, I should preach just as I mean to preach; and if I knew he would come during this sermon, I would go on preaching until he did. - C. H. Spurgeon Oh, that the Lord would come! He is coming! He is on the road and travelling quickly. The sound of his approach should be as music to our hearts! - C. H. Spurgeon The fact that Jesus Christ is to come again is not a reason for star-gazing, but for working in the power of the Holy Ghost. - C. H. Spurgeon Since he may come any day, it is well to be ready every day. - J. Hudson Taylor He who came in humility and shame will return in spectacular magnificence. - John R. W. Stott The imminent return of our Lord is the great Bible argument for a pure, unselfish, devoted, unworldly, active life of service. - R. A. Torrey This is pinned as a badge to the sleeve of every true believer—that he looks for and longs for Christ's coming to judgement. - John Trapp The Christian hope is not a matter for tickling our minds, but for changing our minds and influencing society. - Stephen Travis I am daily waiting for the coming of the Son of God. - George Whitefield The brightness of Christ's advent will reveal the true character of those things which were previously hidden by darkness. - Geoffrey B. Wilson The Lord has said He will return To judge the world someday; Are you prepared for Him to come Or hoping for delay? —Sper Don't complain about what this world is coming to. Proclaim the One who is coming to this world. Luke 21:36 "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." BGT Luke 21:36 ἀγρυπνεῖτε δὲ ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ δεόμενοι ἵνα κατισχύσητε ἐκφυγεῖν ταῦτα πάντα τὰ μέλλοντα γίνεσθαι καὶ σταθῆναι ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. KJV Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy (kataxioo) to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. NET Luke 21:36 But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must happen, and to stand before the Son of Man." CSB Luke 21:36 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." ESV Luke 21:36 But stay awake 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." NIV Luke 21:36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." NLT Luke 21:36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man." NRS Luke 21:36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." YLT Luke 21:36 watch ye, then, in every season, praying that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that are about to come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.' GWN Luke 21:36 Be alert at all times. Pray so that you have the power to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand in front of the Son of Man." NKJ Luke 21:36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." NAB Luke 21:36 Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." NJB Luke 21:36 Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to hold your ground before the Son of man.' ASV Luke 21:36 But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. But keep on the alert at all times Luke 12:37-40; Matthew 24:42; 25:13; 26:41; Mark 13:33,37; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 4:7; 5:8 praying Luke 18:1; Job 27:10; Acts 10:2; Ephesians 6:18,19; Colossians 4:2; 1 Th 5:17 that you may have strength Luke 20:35; 2 Th 1:5,6 to stand before the Son of Man Ps 1:5; Malachi 3:2; Ephesians 6:13,14; 1John 2:28; Jude 1:24-25 Luke 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 21:25-38 On Guard! He’s Coming! - Steven Cole Luke 21:34-36 The Believer’s Gift to Christ - John MacArthur Related Passages: Psalm 1:5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. Malachi 3:2 “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 1 John 2:28 Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. Jude 1:24-25 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, Copyright Pat Marvenko Smith BE READY FOR THE RETURN OF THE KING OF KINGS But keep on the alert at all times - Why "all times"? So that we are ALWAYS ready for His appearing at ALL TIMES because He could return at ANY TIME! Keep on the alert is in the present imperative which calls for us to continually depend on the Holy Spirit to obey. The idea is to not fall into spiritual slumber. Do not be entangled by the world's enticements which will blunt your vertical vision of the things of eternity! THOUGHT - Does this describe your (my) lifestyle? I hope you are as convicted as I am! Keep on the alert (keep watch)(69)(agrupneo from a = without + hupnos = sleep; cp agrupnia - 2Co 6:5, 11:27) literally means to abstain completely from sleep, pass sleepless nights, to be sleepless, to lie awake and think about (Liddell Scott) to stay alert, and then figuratively to stay alert, to remain vigilant and fully aware of threatening peril, "to be alertly concerned about" (BDAG). The figurative picture is one who is spiritually alert and wide awake to spiritual intrusions (Mk 13:33, Lk 21:36, Ep 6:18).
Lucas 21
Ryle - Let us learn, lastly, from these verses — the special duties of believers in the prospect of the second coming of Christ. Our Lord sums up these duties under two great heads. One of these two is watchfulness. The other is prayer. "Watch therefore," He says, "and pray always." We are to "watch." We are to live on our guard like men in an enemy's country. We are to remember that evil is about us, and near us, and in us — that we have to contend daily with a treacherous heart, an ensnaring world, and a busy devil! Remembering this, we must put on the whole armor of God, and beware of spiritual drowsiness. "Let us not sleep as others do," says Paul, "but let us watch and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:6.) We are to "pray always." We are to keep up a constant habit of real, sincere prayer. We are to speak with God daily, and hold daily communion with Him about our souls. We are to pray especially for grace to lay aside every weight, and to cast away everything which may interfere with readiness to meet our Lord. Above all, we are to watch our habits of devotion with a godly jealousy, and to beware of hurrying over or shortening our prayers. Let us leave the whole passage with a hearty determination, by God's help, to act on what we have been reading. If we believe that Christ is coming again — then let us get ready to meet Him. "If we know these things — happy are we if we do them." (John 13:17.) Luke 21:37 Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. KJV Luke 21:37 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives. Now during the day He was teaching in the temple Luke 22:39; Matthew 21:17; Mark 11:12; John 12:1 but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. Luke 19:37; Zechariah 14:4; Matthew 26:30; Acts 1:12 Luke 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 21:25-38 On Guard! He’s Coming! - Steven Cole Luke 21:37-22:2 God’s Preparation for Christ’s Cross - John MacArthur THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF JESUS' EARTHLY MINISTRY This detail is found only in Luke's Gospel.