““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.”Luke 21:25-26 ESV
Reflection: how much are you concerned about climate change?
There has been an unusual amount of strange and extreme weather over the past couple of years. Destructive storms and floods all over, even in areas which typically do not see that kind of weather. Looking throughout earth history, there has been many changes in climate and weather, so from that perspective what we are experiencing might not be that extreme. But from the known or recorded history of mankind, it is unusual. Now, we all know there is an active debate about the cause of the climate change, whether it is man made or just naturally occurring. And, whether or not humans have been part of the cause and can therefore impact the change going forward. Some proposing to spend massive amounts of money to try to slow down or stop climate change.
In our focus verses today, we can see that Jesus warned about several big changes coming towards the end of times. He specifically mentions signs in sun and moon and stars, and roaring of the sea and the waves on the earth. The Creator himself says these things will happen, to his creation, so it is a pretty safe bet that it will. Not from too much CO2, but the Creator gives us the actual reason why it will happen, saying “the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” And it will eventually be so massive, so extreme that “people fainting [or perishing] with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world”. It will be unmistakable. And, why will all this happen?
“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27 ESV
Talk about making a grand entrance!!! In fact, Jesus tells all his followers, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”” Luke 21:28 ESV. These changes are like the greatest “drum roll” as He, the King of kings, is about to enter his creation once more. There will be no doubts of his coming. Mark wrote
““But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.” Mark 13:24-27 ESV.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, that day is drawing nearer. Whether all the crazy weather we have seen over the past few years are the beginning of that, I don’t know. But, if it is, we know then that soon our Lord, our King will be making his grand entrance. While we still can, let’s work hard to spread the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.