I just LOVE the idea of tying the First Advent of Jesus with His Second in our Daily posts for 2021!!! This is especially relevant when we focus on the topic of the second week of the Christmas Advent season; HOPE!!!

[Luke 21.25-36]

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.”

29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Read Matthew 24.3 to see what question Jesus in answering here in our passage for today. What’s your first thought when you read vv. 25-26?

+ Compare v. 27 with Daniel 7.13-14 and Acts 1.9-11. What’s your first thought when you read these verses? How about after you read vv. 28?

+ Why do you think Jesus tells a parable at this juncture? What is His point? Research the different interpretations of v. 32, focusing on the word “generation”. What is Jesus emphatically stating about Himself in v. 33?

+ From vv. 34-36, how would you summarize Jesus’ instructions on what to do while we await His return?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Christmas is a holiday where we celebrate Jesus coming to earth the first time. At His first Advent, Jesus “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” [Philippians 2.6-8]

I think we should establish a holiday where we celebrate His promised second Advent when He will return in glory and power to act as judge of all humanity. Because of His perfect obedience to the Father in carrying out His first mission, “9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [Philippians 2.9-11]

For just as sure as leaves budding on trees means you KNOW summer is coming, we can have REAL HOPE that Jesus will fulfill His promise of coming back to complete the consummation of His kingdom here on Earth!!!

Jesus, forgive us for living as though You are not Lord of all!!! May we take to heart your command to be ready for your inevitable return. Come, Lord Jesus, Come (Revelation 22.20-21). Amen.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?