July 25 Heavenly Truth

Luke 21:25-26 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”
 
ONE challenge with interpreting Bible prophecy is to understand, “Do these words speak of the present, near future, future generations or eternal future?” The prophets of the Old Testament often intermingled these time frames. They declared God’s actions to happen immediately, in the next few years, centuries later or into the eternal future.
    In Luke 21, Jesus has been warning the disciples of hardships to come to them. Then he spoke of Jerusalem’s destruction. And here, many conclude, he prophesies into the distant future to speak of the end of time.
    But there is evidence that his words also relate to the near future of Jerusalem’s destruction. Noted and accepted historians who lived at that time, record actual disturbances in the heavens before Jerusalem fell. And why not? Astronomers often record unique displays of comets, meteor showers, eclipses and other natural happenings. Earthquakes, too, of various strength and power occur every day. Tidal waves can ravage an ocean coast at any time. Yes, God could have formed these natural signs to disclose his judgment was near to Jerusalem.
    Jesus clearly spoke of the city’s downfall. He warned the disciples of false teachers, persecution and family abandoning believers. He talked of many disciples being put to death. Nearly all the Twelve died violently. Plus, thousands of Christians were martyred by the evil Roman emperor Nero. If Jesus words are true about earthly signs, surely, he would speak of corresponding heavenly signs.
    God purposefully speaks to us. Yes, sometimes we must take care to know his words to understand him. But our understanding begins within the truth of the Holy Bible. If we look to his Word to see what God has done, we will be more attuned to what God is doing. Then to follow, we will gain a greater understanding to know what God will do.
    Listen to his words from the past, and you will see your life with him into your eternal future. Heed the signs on earth. Be aware of the signs in the heavens.
 
Prayer: Open my ears, Lord, to hear and believe your remarkable words pointing to my future with you. Amen