Luke 21:25-38 - Victory in the End
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
Harry R. Truman (not to be confused with Harry S. Truman the former president) was born in Clay County, West Virginia in October of 1896. In 1907, his family moved out west to the state of Washington where he would live for most of his life. This man led a life marked by various antics and unholy living. However, he became somewhat of a celebrity in 1980 when he became the poster child for ignoring the signs.
Scientists had been studying Mount St. Helens for quite some time and had noted increasing tremors and earthquakes. By March 27, 1980, a series of volcanic explosions were noted. State officials ordered an evacuation of the area because of the likelihood of an eruption.
Truman refused to listen to the officials and made the following statements to some reporters:
"I don't have any idea whether it will blow," he said, "but I don't believe it to the point that I'm going to pack up."
He then went on to say:
“Spirit Lake is in between me and the mountain, and the mountain is a mile away, the mountain ain't gonna hurt me."
Law enforcement became exceedingly frustrated by his refusal to leave because the media kept entering the restricted area to interview him. On Saturday, May 17th, local law enforcement made one final attempt to persuade Truman to leave his home. Yet he refused.
The following morning, May 18, 1980, at 8:32 AM, Mount St. Helens erupted. An ash plum reached 15 miles high and spread to 11 US States as well as part of Canada. All of Spirit Lake was destroyed and Truman’s lodge was covered by 150 ft of volcanic landslide debris. Authorities state that the molten volcanic flow would have reached his lodge within 1 minute of eruption - thereby leaving virtually no time to react.
Signs are important my friends. Scientists saw the signs of the impending eruption of this volcano. There were earthquakes and tremors. There were steam-venting mini-eruptions at the top of the volcano. All of this signaled disaster was on its way.
Last week we saw some signs regarding the coming of the Tribulation. This week we will see some further signs that signal the return of Christ at the end of the Tribulation.
Although we will blessed to be taken up in the rapture before the Tribulation, there will continue to be signs pointing to the coming of this final period of wrath from God. May we pay attention to the signs as we see the return of Christ come closer into view.
Although these signs are certainly terrifying, we know that they signal something great - they signal our victorious Savior - Jesus Christ - coming in victory and judgement over all of the evil of the world as well as bringing peace and blessing for His followers.
Prayer
Today we will see three more ways that followers of Christ need to be prepared for His return. The first is…
I. Followers of Christ Must Be Alert for His Second Coming (25-28)
I. Followers of Christ Must Be Alert for His Second Coming (25-28)
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Jesus is now speaking of His second coming that will occur at the end of the Tribulation. This coming will be preceded by some terrifying signs. Jesus has already mentioned many of the signs that will occur leading up to and ramping up extensively during the Tribulation. We discussed many of those last week - international wars, false messiahs, natural catastrophes, famines and pestilences, and other signs in the heavens.
However, now we reach the end of the Tribulation and the return of Christ is now imminent. He is coming back.
We are told that there will be signs in sun and moon and stars. These celestial signs will be terrifying. Matthew and Mark tell us that the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give off its light, and the stars will fall from heaven (Mark 13:24-25, Matthew 24:29). Jesus’s return will be marked by a terrifying display of the heavens being completely shaken.
With the shaking of the entire universe due to the Lord’s return, even the seas will be thrown into chaos. We know that the gravitational pull of the moon has an effect on the ocean tides. With the moon shaken, the sea and the waves will be unrestrained.
What is the response of the world to these earthshaking signs?
1. The Nations of the Earth Are Distressed in Perplexity
Governments do their best to maintain order and reduce chaos. It is actually one of the biggest blessings that we get from government. It is a common grace given to us by God. However, during this time, there will be no time for the governments of the world to react. These cataclysmic actions will be overwhelming and in rapid fire succession to the point that the nations of the world will be distressed. This Greek word for distress also means anguish. Government leaders will be unable to put on any front of composure. And they will be in perplexity. This Greek word is only used here in the New Testament which speaks of the incredible uniqueness to this terrifying time. This word means to be at a loss. The nations of the world will become completely unglued.
2. The People Are Fainting with Fear and with Foreboding of What is Coming on the World.
This word fainting is also only used one time in the New Testament as well. It literally means to stop breathing. This shows that the people are scared to death about what is occuring. The word foreboding refers to their dreaded expectation of what is coming. They will be so terrified by these earthshaking signs that they will seek death but will not find it (Revelation 9:6).
The book of Revelation tells us that despite many of the terrible judgements of the Tribulation, many will refuse to repent and instead curse God (Revelation 17:11).
However, these same people will be overwhelmed and in great dread because of the majesty that they are about to see…
And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
The Second Coming of Christ will be a terrifying event in the lives of unbelievers. We are told that He will be coming in the clouds with power and great glory. This return will appear like His ascension seen in Acts 1:9-11. This statement by Jesus is very much like what Daniel speaks of in Daniel 7:13:
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
Daniel provides one of Jesus’s favorite names for Himself - namely the Son of Man. Jesus referred to Himself in this way many times in the Gospels. This title speaks of His return to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
There will be no doubt of Who is returning. The response of unbelievers is seen in Matthew 24:30
Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Their response is mourning because they know what kind of judgement awaits them. The great glory of Christ will overwhelm them. They will be unable to stand in His presence. The prophecy seen in Philippians 2:9-11 will come to fruition as every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Unfortunately for these unbelievers, it will not be voluntarily worship. It will be done out of great fear and terror.
According to Revelation 19:11-15, Christ will wipe out His opponents without so much of a battle at all. His victory is sure.
But what about those believers who are saved during the Tribulation?
Jesus has a great statement for them as well…
Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Though the unbelievers will be downcast and fainting, believers are to straighten up and raise their heads for their Savior has arrived! This is a time of celebration for those in Christ. Although redemption was paid for on the cross and credited upon salvation, it will be consummated fully upon Christ’s Second coming.
Although this encouragement from Christ first applies to believers in this final age of world history, we have a lot we can take from this as well. We must remain alert.
The signs of Christ’s return will continue to progress until the Tribulation, where they will exponentially progress. As we await the return of Christ, we must remain vigilant in sharing the Gospel. Although this is a time of blessing for believers, it is a time of great terror for unbelievers.
As we await the return of Christ, the message of Isaiah 55:6-7 is what we should preach:
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
There is a time coming where it will be too late to seek the Lord. Jesus is patiently waiting for the fullness of His elect to come to salvation - those who will repent of their sins and respond to His drawing to salvation. Share the truth of the Gospel, my friends. Consider the catastrophic judgement to come on the lost and care enough to share the truth of the Gospel with them. Share the truth of Jesus’s death on the cross for the sins of the world. The truth of Christ offering salvation to all who would repent and turn away from their sins and trust in the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Be alert and alert others to the surety of Christ’s Second Coming.
Next we see that…
Scripture References: Mark 13:24-25, Matthew 24:29, Revelation 9:6, Revelation 17:11, Acts 1:9-11, Daniel 7:13, Matthew 24:30, Philippians 2:9-11, Revelation 19:11-15, Isaiah 55:6-7
II. Followers of Christ Must Be Aware of the Signs Forewarning (29-33)
II. Followers of Christ Must Be Aware of the Signs Forewarning (29-33)
And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
Jesus, speaking of the deciduous nature of many trees (meaning that they lose their leaves in the winter and start growing them in the spring), brings up the fig tree specifically in this short parable.
The fig tree, like all deciduous trees, starts to grow leaves in the spring time. When the leaves begin to sprout, one cannot help but know that summer is around the corner.
This simple parable is used to illustrate what Jesus teaches in verse 31.
When you see these things taking place - this likely referring to what He has just said - meaning the heavenly bodies being shaken - then you can know that the kingdom of God is near.
He is speaking of the surety of His Second Coming.
Matthew makes it a little more clear about what Jesus is speaking of:
So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
Here we see Christ coming to rule and reign on earth. The signs are clear. Yet, many will refuse to see the clear signs presented in regard to the coming of the Tribulation, the signs during the Tribulation, and the ultimate signs given here signaling the imminent return of Christ.
Like Mr. Truman that we discussed at the beginning of today’s message, these people will refuse to see the clear signs that judgement is coming. They will refuse to repent and turn to Christ for salvation.
Jesus warns us here to be aware of the signs of the times. Jesus has promised signs that forewarn us of what is to come. He has given us His Word to read to help us remember that He is certainly coming back.
Moving to the next two verses, Jesus speaks of the surety of His word:
Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Jesus speaks of the final generation of humanity alive during the Tribulation. That generation will be alive through the worst 7 years that world history has ever known. They will be sure to witness the return of Christ in His glory and majesty.
His return will shake the heavens and the earth. In fact, we see this spoken of in 2 Peter 3:10-11:
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
After Christ returns and reigns for the Millennial Reign on earth for 1,000 years, He will then uncreate the heavens and earth and recreate them in sinless perfection. All of the harm to our world and universe caused by our sinfulness will be undone by the Creator.
The world likes to scream about the harm we do the environment - greenhouse gases, pollution, among others. Although we do need to care for our planet, the worst thing we have done to our planet as well as to the entire universe is by bringing sin into it! Our sinfulness has had the worst effect on our world.
However, one day we know that the earth will no longer groan (Romans 8:22-24). He will create a new heaven and a new earth as seen in Revelation 21:1-4
Finally, Jesus states that although heaven and earth will pass away - his Words will not pass away. This speaks of the surety of His Second Coming as well as surety of the entire inerrant Word of God.
Listen to Isaiah 40:6-8
A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
The Word of the Lord will stand forever.
Because of this, we must be alert to the signs of His return. We must be obedient to Him as we seek to follow His commands found in His Word as we await His return.
Finally, we see that…
Scripture References: Matthew 24:33, 2 Peter 3:10-11, Romans 8:22-24, Revelation 21:1-4, Isaiah 40:6-8
III. Followers of Christ Must Be Awake at His Sovereign Return (34-38)
III. Followers of Christ Must Be Awake at His Sovereign Return (34-38)
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.
Jesus completes this sermon with two strong warnings.
1. Watch Yourselves Because the Day Comes Suddenly
The Bible is replete with references to the suddenness and assuredness of Christ’s return ( eg. Matthew 24:44, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Revelation 1:7). Conservatively, Jesus fulfilled at least 300 prophecies during His earthly ministry. One scholar - J. Barton Payne - claims to have found as many as 574 (1). As amazing as this is, and it certainly is amazing, there are many more prophecies yet to be fulfilled by His second coming! Scholars have identified 1,845 different Biblical references to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. These references are found in 17 books in the Old Testament and 23 of the 27 books of the New Testament.
Dr. David Jeremiah alludes to the fact that one out of every thirty verses in the New Testament teaches us that Christ is coming back to earth (2)!
Because the return of Christ is sure and will come suddenly, Jesus charges those who await His return to remain self-controlled and steadfast. For those people during the Tribulation who consider following Christ, there will be great horrors of judgement that they will face. Because of the severity of these judgements, a temptation to turn to drunken hopelessness will be strong. With hearts weighed down by the terrible world situation around them, they will be tempted to turn to substances instead of to their Savior. Listen to Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 5:18:
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
Jesus urges them to stand strong in the power of the Holy Spirit.
We can learn from this warning as well. Although our world is nothing nearly as bad as it will be at the end of the Tribulation, we can be tempted to become hopelessness as well. Yet, we must remain steadfast through the power of the Holy Spirit no matter what trials we face.
May we never turn toward a substance or any other substitute instead of the Savior.
Next he warns them to…
2. Stay Awake at all Times so that You Can Stand When Christ Returns
For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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.”
Jesus doesn’t mean that one can escape the trials during the Tribulation. Instead, He urges them to be alert and stay awake so that they can persevere. As we discussed before, Christ preserves those who are truly His and gives the strength to persevere through difficult times. Yet, there is most certainly an effort that we must make as well when it comes to relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. True believers will continue to lean into God and not run from Him.
The Bible is filled with charges to persevere.
Consider just a couple:
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
These verses, and many like them, remind us that there is an effort that we must make as we follow Christ. It is not a ‘let go and let God’ effort in which we do not do anything. We must understand that the Christian life is God working in and through us. Although Christ did the work of salvation completely for us, He calls us to walk this Christian walk as He works in and through us. Yes, there are times that He works for us and does amazing things for us. However, the typical day-by-day walk of the believer is a life of Christ working in and through us.
Believers must remain aware, alert, and awake for the return of Christ.
Luke ends this section with a summary verse that bookends Christ’s last teachings in and around the temple:
And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.
This final section covers the days from Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem at His Triumphal entry through His final teachings in the temple before His arrest. Jesus would teach and then retreat to Mount Olivet for rest in the evenings. We are unsure if this meant that He camped out or if He stayed with someone such as His friend Lazarus which was in Bethany nearby.
These final two verses are a hinge-point in the Gospel of Luke.
Starting next chapter we will start a rapid-fire sequence of Christ’s final two days on earth. Before getting to this section, however, Jesus reminds His followers that He will reign victoriously in the end. There is no need to fear the trials that will come. Christ is in control, and He will reign forevermore.
Scripture References: Matthew 24:44, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Revelation 1:7, Ephesians 5:18, James 1:12, Galatians 6:9
Conclusion:
As we come to a close, we have had some extremely intense warnings and charges from Christ. He reminded us of the need to be alert for His return. He is coming back, my friends. Be ready. The Scripture is filled with warnings to be ready for His return. It is sure and it will come suddenly.
Next, He charges us to be aware of the signs forewarning us of what is to come. We have been shown many signs in Luke 21 about the coming of the Tribulation and the Second Coming of Christ. We must understand the season that we are in and be aware.
Finally, He has charged us to remain awake for His return. May we not turn to anything or anyone other than Christ as we await His return. Persevere, brothers and sisters. Stand strong in the power of the Holy Spirit.
