Our scripture this morning is Luke 21:20-24.
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
Jesus warns those listening that Jerusalem will be overrun. It is a historical fact that the Roman Empire leveled Jerusalem, destroying the Temple and scattering the Jewish nation around 70 AD. While Jesus is speaking of this physical event, He is also foretelling that those who do not accept God’s Messiah will be scattered in the same way.
Jesus didn’t sugarcoat any of His teachings to us, and while we may have to look for the deeper meaning His lessons contain, they are always the truth. It is up to us to listen carefully and to be ready for what Jesus tells us is coming. It’s not always easy to hear but it is the Good News for God’s people.
The scriptures are full of very human stories, our disobedience and our failure. However, scripture also contains God’s plan for our salvation through Christ the Lord. Hear the warnings that He speaks into our lives, but also hear the joy of the offer of a renewed relationship with our loving Creator.
Heavenly Father, we are often distracted by evil and obstinate in choosing our own way. Help us to see that there is only one way, Your loving gift for us through Christ’s sacrifice. Amen.