Devotion - Monday, December 5

The text for today is Luke 21:20-28.  This is one of the apocalyptic chapters in the Gospel.  Apocalyptic literature speaks of the end of times.  It addresses the final consummation.  The Book of Revelation is perhaps the best known of this type of literature.

In Luke 21, Jesus is speaking of seeing armies surrounding Jerusalem.  He says "great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people."  

It is most common, in our contemporary culture, to see this type of literature as "bad news."  We hope to avoid the days of which apocalyptic literature speak.  But the 28th verse would have us understand things differently.  Jesus ends this section by saying, "look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Apocalyptic literature exposes where we have placed our trust.  If we have come to rely on our own systems and securities, then we will fear the things of which it speaks.  Those who seek God and God's final hope for the world are inclined to see in the endings the arrival of our redemption.

During these days of Advent, we joyfully anticipate the arrival of Messiah.  But let's not forget that the Messiah whom we adore brings a message which challenges so much of what we have come to accept as business as usual.