Word for Word 11/20/24

For the last few weeks at church, I have been preaching through Luke 21, which records Jesus’ teaching on the end times. It can be scary to consider how similar our world is to that prophesied description.

For example, Jesus speaks of nations rising against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms.  With wars in Ukraine and Israel, it doesn’t take too much imagination to picture what Jesus was talking about. Perhaps the great earthquakes and famines Jesus predicted seem like distant troubles, but I’m sure you know someone terrified at the thought of the impending doom of climate change. The persecution of the saints Jesus predicted is a present reality in places like China, Iran, sub-Saharan Africa, and many other places. The hatred of men against Christ’s followers was perfectly illustrated by the Arabic “Nun” painted by ISIS on the houses of Christians in Iraq. After Jesus adds predictions of miraculous signs in the heavens and earth (which we thankfully do not see today), He tells us that all men will faint for fear and confusion.

As I considered this passage and its parallels to our modern world, I was struck by how well it described so many Americans in the run-up to the election and its aftermath. Between the rabid name-calling, partisan polarization, and explosive anger, many became worried, concerned, and often fearful at the uncertainty of it all.

But the advice Jesus has for that future age is good for us today. He said, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28) Jesus did not advise His followers to be overwhelmed by the troubles of life, but to look up and be encouraged. Why? Because, though earth may be in turmoil, God is still King of Kings. Though humanity might be confused and uncertain, God still has a plan. And most importantly, Jesus, the Redeemer, is coming back.

What does the Bible mean by a Redeemer? It is someone who purchases or pays the price for something.  The Bible speaks of a debt we all owe, a penalty everyone must pay. “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23a) But Jesus’ death on the cross paid that debt and covered that penalty, so that “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b) Through His death and resurrection, Jesus can give us spiritual life and hope in this world, and the promise of eternity in heaven.

But like all gifts, we need to receive that redemption. The Bible says we can’t receive it through good works or through our religion (Eph. 2:8-9).  After all, if we could save ourselves, why would God send a redeemer? Jesus did not come for the righteous, but for those who accept that they are a sinner and in faith ask Jesus to save them from sin and become their Lord (Romans 10:9-10).

You see, our problem is that we focus on the wrong things. When we are consumed with the cares and problems of the world, we will become burdened and fearful. But if we focus on Jesus and trust in His redemption, we will live in confidence and hope.

Pastor Matthew Majewski
Center Baptist Church, Lansing