Luke 21:5-9 - Keep on keeping on faithfully

Luke 21:5-9 formed the best platform for the Lord to launch into His Olivet Discourse, His final prophetic address. This was a perfect link to His final days. Since coming into Jerusalem in His triumphant entry, Jesus had cleansed the temple, and had several successful debates with the religious outfits of Israel. We last saw Him commending the poor widow for her selfless giving before He passed judgement on the religious leaders of Israel. He was now leaving the temple.

On their way out of this astoundingly magnificent temple building, someone mentioned about its beauty. Mark's account of this same incident specifically said that it was one of His disciples who exclaimed, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” (Mark 13:1). What's puzzling was the way Jesus replied. He told them that a day would come when it would be totally destroyed. So total would be the destruction, that there would not be found one stone upon another. And this literally happened.

When the temple was destroyed in AD 70 by the Romans, the fire that was set on the building melted all the gold in the building. The liquid gold then flowed into every crack of the destroyed stones. Soldiers who tried to retrieve the gold from the stones chiselled them till not a stone was found upon another. How true the Lord's prediction was!

Continuing, the disciples then asked when this would take place and what would be the signs. They were asking about the timing of the destruction of the temple. The Lord's answer to them went beyond the timing of the destruction of the temple. He went on to talk about the event that would happen in the last days to encourage faithful service till His return.

He warned them of the widespread deceptions that would happen. He said many would be using His name.  Many would even claim that they are the Christ and would predict that the time is near. He told them (including us) not to be taken in. The Lord went on to say that there would be reports of war. And as His followers we should not be terrified. All these must take place. Even then, the Lord said, His return would not follow immediately.

Believers have always been interested in the events of the last days. There have been many predictions of the timing of His coming. Knowing the signs of His return is good, but what's more important is to keep on in faithful service. The Lord's clarion call is: keep occupied till I come! What are we doing in the meantime? How are we building our spiritual life? Let's not consume our energy in speculations! Let's trim the lamp of our witness by living right and cultivating our walk!