RUPTURE, RAPTURE, RECKONING, RETURN

October 3, 2016

RUPTURE, RAPTURE, RECKONING, RETURN

Luke 21:25–38

Hugh Stephenson

Central Truth

Jesus spoke about the coming victory over the powers of this world when evil Rome had unquestioned dominance over all of life. His message speaks to us today to give us hope about the struggles that unquestionably dominate us.

“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.” (Luke 21:36)

The Coming of the Son of Man

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.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

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.

Watch Yourselves

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.”

37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

“My name is Hugh, and I have a new life in Christ. I am recovering from fear and anxiety, which I medicated with alcohol and pornography.” This is how we introduce ourselves in re:generation, Watermark’s Christ-centered 12-step discipleship program. In re:gen, we learn our hope today comes from the hope we have in Jesus. And in Watermark's Prodigal Ministry, we learn how to relate to family members in a godly way and that our hope in Jesus can give us “peace in the midst of chaos.”

The message of hope in these verses has its own tone, but it is the same hope we have been promised since Genesis. This passage is part of the Olivet Discourse that Jesus gave on the Mount of Olives a few days before He was crucified. Other versions are in Mark 13 and Matthew 24. This passage is often called the "Little Apocalypse."

Oppression by Rome was the daily burden for the disciples and all people in Judea. Romans were an unquestionably dominant force in everyone’s daily life. The Jews of Jesus’ day could find hope in the Temple and the rituals of the Mosaic Law.

Before 2013 my oppression was in the daily burden of fear and anxiety. It unquestionably was the dominant force in my life. My hope was in my devotion to worldly success, and my relief was found in my addictions to alcohol and pornography. In late 2012, my "temples" were destroyed, and I lost all hope. Since then, I learned that only God could fill the hole in my heart and cure my fear and anxiety forever. I would have hope eternally if I sought to know and serve Him.

We have heard that we should focus on this day and that day or "have an eternal focus." If I am alert, watch for the signs, and run today’s race with perseverance, I know I can be ready when Jesus comes.

1. What are some of the "cares of this life" that might be weighing you down and keeping you from being alert and vigilant?

2. Jesus says there will be "fear and foreboding" during the Tribulation. What can you do to so that you "may have strength to escape all these things"?

3. When you stand before Jesus, what do you want Him to say? What do you think He WILL say?

4. What can you say and do on THIS DAY to spread the Word to friends and family about THAT DAY? Who is on your list?