Station Five
Wilhelm von Kaulbach: Zerstörung Jerusalems durch Titus (Titus destroying Jerusalem), 1846 (Oil on canvas, 585 x 705 cm)
Luke 21:5-9
Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
Luke 21:25-28
“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. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Jesus says that the events we see on the daily news broadcasts should bring us hope! All of this upheaval must take place before he returns. He reminds us that when we see these events we are to remember that our “redemption is drawing near.” This would be an important understanding for Jesus' disciples to have-they were about to go through an agonizing time. They would see their beloved teacher arrested, beaten, and crucified. They would see the one they had come to call “Lord” die a horrible death on the cross. They would see him laid, dead, in a tomb. Like them, we need to recognize that the events of this life are not what they seem. Death and chaos will not always reign. There will come a day when Christ will return and set all things right.
Please pray with me: Lord we are tempted to be terrified when we see the events that take place in today's world. Like the disciples we are bewildered, dazed and panicky. Open our eyes Lord so that we can truly understand how we can lift up our hearts. Open our hearts to believe that our redemption is truly drawing near and fill us with faith so that we may always live for you.
