April 10. 2025-Meditation Luke 21:5–19 The Time of Impending Judgment

 Luke 21:5–19

The Time of Impending Judgment

Today’s message is about the “last days.” When we hear the term “last days,” we often immediately think of the “end of the world” or the “second coming of Jesus.” However, the “last days” can come in various forms. There is the end of our lives, the end of our faith journey, and, as today’s passage mentions, even the end of the temple.

The Jews took great pride in the beautifully constructed temple. In verse 5 of today’s passage, the temple is described as follows:

"Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said..."

The temple is described as being “adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts.” The Jews took pride in the outward appearance of the temple. They proudly boasted about the grand structure. But Jesus declares that this temple will be completely torn down and laid waste. What would the destruction of the temple mean to the Jews? Their faith was centered around the temple. So, the disappearance of the temple would have felt like the loss of their faith—perhaps even the loss of God Himself. Yet in reality, they had already lost their “faith” and their connection with “God.” Although the building still stood, true “worship” no longer took place within. Their lives were devoid of genuine “faith.” They found comfort merely in the fact that the temple still stood. They believed that as long as the building remained, so did their faith.

But faith is not found in a “building” or a “temple.” Faith is in “God.” No matter how magnificent a structure may be, if there is no true faith in God, the temple is nothing more than a building. Even if we have no grand building, if we have faith in God, then that place can rightly be called a “temple” and a “church.” We must not forget this. Whether it’s our personal lives, our families, or our churches, it is when we have faith in God that we are established as true temples. May we live such lives.

As Jesus speaks of the end of the temple, He also speaks about the end times and the time of judgment. People ask Jesus what signs will accompany these end times. “What signs will there be?” they ask.

The first thing Jesus mentions is “deception.”

In verse 8, He says:
"Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them."

There will be people claiming to be Christ, and there will be widespread rumors of wars and chaos. But Jesus warns us not to be deceived. The Greek word for deception here is planáō (πλανάω), which means “to lead astray,” “to mislead,” or “to cause to wander.” This kind of deception has always existed—in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, and even today. Therefore, the command “Do not be deceived” is given because we do not know when the last days will come. It is a call to be ever ready and prepared. This preparation involves discerning “false paths” and “false teachings.”

To avoid being misled by things that lead us astray or teach falsely, we must focus on the “Word of God,” the “Bible.” We must be able to discern whether we are following a “pastor,” a “church,” or “God.” When we are rooted in the Word, we can teach and learn correctly—and not lose our way.

Next, Jesus speaks of signs such as “wars, famines, and plagues.” Another sign that follows is “persecution.”

What all these signs have in common is this: they try to make us give up our faith. Life becomes difficult. So much so that holding on to faith becomes hard. But even amid war, famine, and plague, when life feels chaotic, our faith in God must remain unshaken. Even when persecution makes it nearly impossible to live out our faith, we must hold fast to it. Persecution may bring fear. Threats may cause us to waver. But we must struggle to live by faith.

In verses 17 and 18, Jesus gives us a promise:

"You will be hated by everyone because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish."

This does not mean we will be free from physical pain. Rather, it is a promise of God’s protection. Though our bodies may suffer, our “souls” will be untouched—kept safe by God. And finally, in verse 19, Jesus says:

"Stand firm, and you will win life."

It is “perseverance.” Through “perseverance,” we gain our “souls.” Just as the temple is not about outward splendor but about true “faith in God,” so it is with us. What matters is not our “physical body,” but the well-being of our “soul.”

We are living in the last days. Above all, let us live with discernment so we are not deceived. And through our faith, let us endure all circumstances and persecution without wavering—holding fast to God’s promise of protection, and ultimately walking in victory.