Grace and peace to you (1 Thess 1:1). Amen.
The season of Advent falls between two huge events. I am not talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, even though that is correct according to the calendar.
I am referring to Jesus’ first and second coming. And that is what “advent” means—“coming.” For the next four Sundays, we think about how …
Jesus came the first time as a Baby to take away our sins (Mt 1:21).
Jesus will come the second time as a Judge to take us to our heavenly home (Mk 13:27).
But neither one of those is something to be afraid of, but to look forward to. Why? Jesus tells us. As he comes to us in his Word, we jump from his initial appearance on Christmas Day to his next arrival on the Last Day. Look up during Advent—joyfully, closely, and prayerfully. We read from …
Luke 21:25-36
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, the Coming One,
It can happen that the same thing can produce opposite emotions in an individual. I will give you an example: fireworks—like on the 4th of July to remember Independence Day or on the 31st of December to ring in a new year.
They can be frightening to an infant as the loud bang pierces the eardrum. And it causes the baby to cry in fright and look down.
They can be fascinating to an adult as the light blast pleases the eyeball. And it makes a person to stare in wonder and look up.
What about Judgment Day?
Upsetting. It will be for the one who is not ready for Jesus.
Uplifting. It will be for the one who relies on Jesus.
So listen up and then …
Look Up during Advent
1. Joyfully (25-28)
2. Closely (29-33)
3. Prayerfully (34-36)
1. Joyfully (25-28)
Some have the custom now that it is December to have a second calendar. An Advent Calendar. It counts down (or counts up really) the days until the 25th. There might be a box to open up or a page to tear off. There is a picture or a passage. It is to build excitement for Jesus’ birth. Jesus directs our attention to another day. Look up during Advent—joyfully.
It is Tuesday of Holy Week. In a few days, Jesus would hang on the cross and then head out of his grave three days later. But before that, Tuesday was a busy day for Jesus at the temple. He was being attacked by his enemies to trap him. But he was also being attentive to his disciples to teach them.
That was especially the case as his faithful followers were gushing about the grandeur of the structure (Lk 21:5). Yeah, about that Jesus comments: “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another” (Lk 21:6). That led to two obvious questions from them:
“When will these things happen?” (Lk 21:7).
“And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” (Lk 21:7).
Jesus took the opportunity to lecture them about the fall of Jerusalem and the end of the world—the one picturing the other. That is where we pick it up: “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars” (Lk 21:25). The thing with signs is that they point to something outside of themselves. If there is a piece of paper on a wall that says, “wet paint,” it means that it is not dry. (The wall, not the sign.) But this is bigger than sticky fingers. The laws of nature will change drastically and the heavenly bodies will no longer function normally.
The result: “On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea” (Lk 21:25). There will be distress as well as anxiety at the sound and the surging.
The reaction: “Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken” (Lk 21:26). There will be fear because of what is happening all around, not knowing what to expect when the Maker of heaven and earth becomes the Shaker. What once was so powerful is now frightful.
On the heels of that: “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Lk 21:27). All will catch sight of Jesus, the Son of Man—true God and true man—in all of his splendor in the sky. It is the opposite of when he was placed in a manger. That was in humility. Not this time. He comes with muscle and magnificence. And all will stand before him.
So will you and I. Does that make your knees knock? Will your feet be firm? This is the One who not only has all ability, but all knowledge. He can do something about our sin of which is very much aware.
But Jesus doesn’t come to call us out in front of everyone, but to call us home beside him. It won’t be: “Get away from me.” But “come along with me.” That is why Jesus encourages us. “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Lk 21:28). Straighten up. No need to slouch down. Hold up your head. No reason to drop it down. We not only know the One who is coming. We know why he is coming. For us. He has redeemed us—paid the price necessary to set us free from sin and Satan, living and dying in our place. We are right because of what God promised through Jeremiah—the righteous Branch from David’s line, “The LORD Our Righteousness” (Je 33:16). So when he arrives again, it will be the final deliverance—to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness (2 Pe 3:13). Look up during Advent—joyfully. We know what to expect. Jesus is coming.
2. Closely (29-33)
Perhaps a family forgets about the Advent Calendar for a few days. It may not be a big deal. All they have to do is to catch up so that they are ready for the big day. Jesus doesn’t want us to be so casual about the biggest day. Look up during Advent—closely.
Jesus uses an illustration to instruct. “He told them this parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near” (Lk 21:29,30). You may not know what a fig tree looks like. But any tree will do as Jesus notes. We could pick whatever tree. We have had enough experience with Minnesota winters that we recognize that they don’t stick around forever. (It just seems that way when the temperatures are so cold and the snow so deep.) But when the buds come out in March or April, you understand that the frigid season is just about over. And there is life again. Plants grow and it is warm.
Thus the comparison. “Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near” (Lk 21:31). A “one way” sign steers you in the right direction. Jesus does as well. The signs indicate one day when the kingdom of heaven will be ours in all of its fullness.
Jesus makes a statement in which he stresses the certainty and validity. “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened” (Lk 21:32). There will always be a segment of society that scoffs at the concept of the end of the world just as the Jews lived to witness the fact of the devastation of Jerusalem that Jesus predicted.
But then there is the reminder. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Lk 21:33). The world as we know it will come to an end, but whatever Jesus has uttered will not become something that is not valid or not vital—at any time and for all time. When Jesus declares …
“Your sin is sent away” (cf. Mt 9:2), it is true—forever.
“Heaven is your home” (cf. Lk 23:43), it is true—forever.
“I am returning for you” (cf. Jn 14:3), it is true—forever.
Look up during Advent—closely. We know what to expect. Jesus is coming.
3. Prayerfully (34-36)
Possibly another day on the Advent calendar gives an idea of what to ask God for in hope of December 25th. It could be, “Keep me calm amid all the craziness.” There can be a bit of turmoil leading up to Christmas Day. Not just when shopping, but even more while waiting. Jesus wants us to make requests during this time. Look up during Advent—prayerfully.
The lesson on the Last Day was not over. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap” (Lk 21:34). Not just when you have the time. Be ready. It is to be continual. Like a “high voltage” sign. It alerts that there is electrical potential to cause severe injury—more than just straight hair. You want to avoid it all the time. Not just when it is convenient. Jesus urges using time wisely. Not in the sinful and shameful pursuit of pleasure summarized with the slogan “party hearty” or in the super-abundance of alcohol. (Jesus is not against a seasonal party or an occasional beverage.) But you can’t wish it away or drink it away. (Not to mention there is the sense of regret or an ache in the head.) Or even worry it away. Because there is no escaping like a bird caught in a snare. “For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth” (Lk 21:35).
Jesus adds another imperative: “Be always on the watch” (Lk 21:36). Keep on being awake. It is to be constant. And in what manner? “And pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man” (Lk 21:36). We ask with urgency because of our serious need. That is what the apostle Paul did for the Thessalonians. “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones” (1 Thess 3:13). And God answers that prayer. Like a Christmas tree secure in its stand, God supports us so that we continue to be faultless. So we continue to pray …
“Guard my life and rescue me, for I take refuge in you” (Ps 25:20). As he did the psalmist David, the Lord does with us as we turn to him and trust in him.
“Deliver us from the evil one” (Mt 6:13). He ultimately responds to that when he revisits the earth.
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Re 22:20). Yes, come quickly.
Look up during Advent—prayerfully. We know what to expect. Jesus is coming.
Someone termed this span between Jesus’ first Advent (“coming”) and his second advent as “The Great Between.” Jesus came once he will come again. Therefore we await and anticipate it like a fireworks show. But Jesus doesn’t want to scare us, but prepare us. That is why we have this 4-week stretch. Look up during Advent for Jesus—joyfully, closely, and prayerfully because he is coming for you. Amen.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it (1 Thess 5:23,24). Amen.
December 2, 2018
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