The Time of the Lord's Return

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Time of the Lord's Return

Date: Sep. 20, 2017

Passage

Luke 21:20-28 (ESV)

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 “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, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 21:27

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

1. The desolation of Jerusalem (20-24)

The time of the Gentiles will end when Jesus comes again. Before he comes, though, Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles. It is a time of God's punishment and wrath and every prophecy of scripture about the end times will be fulfilled. Jesus warns the people of Judea to flee to the mountains and the people of Jerusalem to escape the city when they see the armies surrounding them. It will be a time of intense severity, with many taken prisoner and many killed. Jesus says it will be very difficult for women who are pregnant or nursing young ones.

2. Redemption is near (25-28)

The time of tribulation will be unlike any other in the history of the world. There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. Nations will tremble at the roaring, tumultuous seas, and even the heavenly bodies will be shaken. People will be overcome with terror and wonder what is becoming of the world. But then it will happen: "At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." The tribulation will end as Christ begins his reign on earth. Those who belong to Christ can persevere during the tribulation by holding on to the knowledge that he is coming. They are to stand up and lift up their heads because their redemption is near. Christ will come!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, even now we long for you to come.

One Word: Jesus will come with power and glory

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references