Are You Ready and Willing?

March 2, 2020

Are You Ready and Willing?

Luke 21:25–38

Jimmy Ratcliffe

Central Truth

We are saved by His grace alone. Our responsibility is to accept that grace, and it should reflect in our speech and actions.

"And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

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.

I really enjoy seeing the pictures of sunsets and cloud formations that people share on social media. There is comfort in seeing the shapes that look like a cross, Mary, Jesus Himself, and other inspiring images. So far all of the images I've seen have been still pictures. What our passage today refers to is different; it describes an action scene: "they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" (Luke 21:27). I am both excited for that time to be here and worried about it at the same time.

As someone who has placed my faith in Jesus and His finished work, I can't wait for Him to come back. But at the same time, I am worried about others who haven't placed their faith in the only One who can save. Have I done all I can to tell them? Am I willing to follow the last command (Mark 16:15) Jesus gave before going back to sit at the right hand of God?

I've heard it said that "it is not our job" to make anyone believe. God will do that. Our job is to share His love with others. This is something I firmly believe, though it is too easy to hold back on sharing from fear of offending somebody. The truth is, while I shouldn't worry about this, I do. I really like Francis Chan's illustration of eternity; for me it really helps to put eternity into perspective. Check it out on YouTube.

Jesus' warning to us in Luke 21:34 reminds us that He will come without warning and that we should not worry about what we think is important in this life. Please pray for me (and you) to worry less about offending someone and more about loving them well and caring about where they spend eternity.

1. If Jesus were to return today, how certain are you that you would spend eternity with Him and why?

2. Are you willing to risk offending someone to help them know your Savior?

3. Have you asked God to use you in helping others to have a relationship with Jesus Christ?