A Hopeful Sign of the End

Texts
1 Samuel 4:1b-11; Acts 4:32-5:11; Luke 21:20-28

It is impossible to understand the events foretold by Jesus in Luke 21in any context which divorces them from the events surrounding Jesus’ ordeal of suffering, death, and resurrection. Indeed, the most far-fetched interpretations of Jesus’ words are precisely those which have him describing events so far off in the future as to have no significance whatsoever to his original hearers, namely, the disciples who were to carry on his mission after his death, resurrection, and return to the Father. The ordeal which the disciples will endure is part and parcel to their mission of continuing the incarnational ministry which Jesus began. As he is about to suffer, die, and rise again, so those who would share with him in his victory must also endure hardship, tribulation, and even death for his sake. Those who persevere under trial, who remain faithful even to the point of death, will share with Jesus in the vindication which is and shall be the resurrection from the dead.

The “signs in sun and moon and stars” about which Jesus speaks, then, are to be understood, first, within the historical context of the period leading up to the fall of Jerusalem when these first disciples were enduring the suffering and persecution which were the inevitable consequences of their obedience to Jesus' command. But once we understand the historical context, we can better understand how Jesus' words are likewise applicable to all generations, including our own.

It is easy to become distressed and perplexed with the news of the day. All around us are “people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world.” But Jesus says, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

For those who long for his appearing, “the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (that is, the Risen Christ vindicated after his suffering and exalted as King of kings and Lord of lords) is not a frightening thought, but a hopeful sign of the end, which we should welcome and embrace with anticipation and joy. It is the end of suffering, of pain, of death itself. It is the dawn of redemption; the beginning of the new creation with Jesus himself as the centerpiece. No amount of tribulation, not even the most severe form of punishment the world can mete out, will prevent the coming of the kingdom of God. To proclaim the Gospel, in word and deed, in the midst of suffering and persecution, is to bear witness to the fact that this kingdom is already advancing on the kingdom of this world. “The end” will bear out this truth, and all creation will stand in awe at the glory of the God who spoke it all into being.

Rejoice! The Lord is King

Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore;
Mortals give thanks and sing, and triumph evermore;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Jesus, the Savior, reigns, the God of truth and love;
When He had purged our stains He took His seat above;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

His kingdom cannot fail, He rules o’er earth and Heav’n,
The keys of death and hell are to our Jesus giv’n;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

He sits at God’s right hand till all His foes submit,
And bow to His command, and fall beneath His feet:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

He all His foes shall quell, shall all our sins destroy,
And every bosom swell with pure seraphic joy;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice in glorious hope! Jesus the Judge shall come,
And take His servants up to their eternal home.
We soon shall hear th’archangel’s voice;
The trump of God shall sound, rejoice!

--Charles Wesley

Collect of the Day: For the Unemployed

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.