Jesus and his disciples are in Jerusalem, at heart of Jewish life and faith. At the temple, an impressive building with massive walls and lavish decorations, Jesus tells the disciples that one day the temple will be “thrown down.” The disciples, troubled and amazed, ask when and how they can know the destruction is coming.
True to form, Jesus doesn’t really answer their question. He describes upheaval in the human world and the natural world that will happen before the destruction of the temple. The thing is, the upheaval Jesus describes is nothing new. Wars, famines, earthquakes and all the rest are challenges that continually affect the world, and have through all of history. Jesus tells his followers they will face religious and political persecution because of their ties to him. In the face of persecution, they will have an opportunity to testify – to share their belief in Jesus and the priorities he calls them to. Though the context Jesus describes is unsettling and troubling, Jesus makes it clear that his followers will not face these difficulties alone. God will be with them, giving them words and wisdom that will defy their opponents.
In Jesus’ time and now too, it is impossible to predict the next great crisis or disaster. We do know, no matter what comes, that we are God’s beloved, and we are never alone. God will help us face the challenges, empowering us to live and speak in ways that testify to our faith and the priorities that shape our lives. God will give us “words and wisdom” that will be part of transforming the world into what God intends.
Peace,
weekly prayer | Jesus talks about God’s constant presence in Luke 21