Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Our text is the Lesson just read, from Luke 21. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- These words of Jesus are usually read in church and contemplated at the beginning of the winter season! Yet they speak of the “leafing out” of trees in the springtime! It always bums me out a little bit. I much prefer spring and summer to the winter time.
- Some people deeply enjoy the seasons, and the changes, whether from warmth and life to cold and hibernation, or vice versa. We realize that it is all part of “A NATURAL PROGRESSION.”
- In our text, Jesus is talking about the “End Times,” and the final days of this present earth and heaven. He is talking about the “Last Day” that is coming, the Day of Judgment.
- Everyone is at least somewhat interested in this topic, this occurrence. And although there are a good many who may doubt that God is, and that God will bring the present aeon to an end, for us who believe in God and His Word, it is good to know that the way it will all come about is much like “A NATURAL PROGRESSION.”
- This is comforting to us – especially as we see the transition taking place. And it will be reassuring to people of faith – when we see the things occurring that constitute the “natural progression” of the coming of the end of time. Jesus assures us that:
I. The Signs Of The End Are Like Nature Leafing Out In The Springtime – And That The Kingdom Is Near
Text: “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.”
Statement: So, while it is perfectly true that “of that day and of that hour knows no man, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only,” it is also true that the proximity of “the end” will be revealed as if it were “A NATURAL PROGRESSION.” Jesus wants us to “see these things taking place,” and for us to “know that the kingdom of God is near.”
Application: Some of these signs are already taking place – wars, natural disasters, false Christs and false prophets. The more dramatic – “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 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,” have not yet happened. But if we are watching and alert then we will not be overtaken unawares, but rather it will all seem like “A NATURAL PROGRESSION.”
Transition: And Jesus makes clear that:
II. At Least Some Christians Will Remain To The End
Text: “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.”
Statement: The term “this generation” as used by Jesus in this context is not a “physical” generation, those living at the time. Rather He is referring to “believers,” for He goes on to speak of His Word remaining forever – and we all know that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” So long as His Word remains people will be coming to faith, and to new life and eternal salvation! This generation – Christians, the Church – will not pass away “until all has taken place.
Application: So although these last days may be daunting for Christians, we will see them coming as if “A NATURAL PROGRESSION” and we will be rejoicing in the return of Jesus! He encourages us to look up and to have joy, because these are the signs of the actualization of our salvation! And to help us remain firm and steady in His Word, Jesus reminds us that:
III. All Things Are Transient And Pass Away Except God’s Word
Text: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away.”
Statement: This is the Word that we are contemplating even today, some 2,000 years after it was spoken! It is the Word that brings us to faith. It is the Word that created all things, and that powerfully preserves all things. It is the Word of God that will bring to pass all that is described for the Last Day!
Application: Obviously we find certain things of this world to be important. We have to eat, we have to take care of ourselves and others. We like having nice things. But we dare never forget that all of these things are temporal and transitory – they will all pass away in the end! And those who put their faith and trust in these things and make them into “idols” will also pass away! But we have been given a “Word” that is eternal – the Word of God. And it brings us to faith! And “he that believes the Son has eternal life, and will not come into condemnation, but has passed from death to life.” [Jn. 3:36; 5:24] So we make the better choice, the only wise choice, and hold on to that which is enduring, God’s Word!
Conclusion: For me, unfortunately, the signs of spring are yet a long way off. But they will come, all as part of “A NATURAL PROGRESSION.” Even though I do not see them at present, I know that spring and summer are coming.
In the same way, Jesus wants us to be sure and certain of the “NATURAL PROGRESSION” of human history, and the final times of this present heaven and earth. He wants us to note the “signs” of the end that are already here. He wants us to know for certain the things that will occur just before the end, so that we can be prepared and awake and alert – and know what is soon to come.
So we hold on to His Word, His eternal and infallible Word, and we are kept safe, sustained and strengthened in our faith, alert and looking to Jesus. This is just what He wills for each of us, Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.