Luke 21:20-24 - Tough Times Don't Last

In Luke 21:20-24, Christ anticipated a time of great distress in Jerusalem. This literally took place some 40 years later when the Roman Emperor Titus, besieged Jerusalem. Two known historians, Eusebius and Josephus, both make allusions to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in their writings. In that event, there was intense suffering and people literally fled from Jerusalem. The Romans came upon them like a mighty flood. As predicted by the Lord, the temple was destroyed. This was when Jerusalem was trampled under the feet of the Gentiles.

The time of the Gentiles virtually began with Christ's death, the rendering asunder of the veil in the temple from top to bottom, and Christ's subsequent resurrection and ascension. This period, Luke hinted, would end only when Christ comes again! This would be when the time of the Gentiles would be fulfilled. With that, Christ then turned to complete His Olivet Discourse by discussing His second coming.

In the earlier verses, Christ promised His disciples His protective care. With the promise and the notion that they were enduring all things for Him, they were inspired to persist through their hard-times. Besides, they also had His indwelling Spirit with them to guide them through all their adversities until their ultimate triumph. Like them, we also know that our earthly life with Him will be attended by hard times. We can always draw strength for the journey from the promise that He will be with us even to the end of the age. All tough times have an ending. But what do we do in the meantime? 

Connect with Jesus and know Him intimately. Learn to live a Spirit guided life daily.  It's not what we know, it's who we know. When we know Him we shall do great exploits with Him!