Luke 21

Most of Luke 21 covers the End Times, but there are a few verses at the beginning that challenge us to evaluate our hearts.  Luke 21:1-4 is about a poor widow giving her offering of two very small cooper coins. If you look at the Greek for poor widow, you will find that it signifies extreme poverty. It would seem that she is more fit to receive charity than to give. The amount of money that the widow gave was actually 1/8 of a cent. Not too much. It makes us wonder whether that amount of money can really be used for anything. However, from Jesus’ response to the widow’s offering, we find that God is not concerned with the amount given but with the heart of the giver. God is calling us to give sacrificially. The rich only gave out of their wealth. They gave just what seemed to be the extra to them. God wants us to be willing to give our all. We should be giving beyond our convenience or comfort. If we are only giving what is extra to us, then we are not trusting God to meet all our needs. We may have a worship issue- as scripture says that we cannot worship or serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Think about it- if we are holding onto anything too tightly then our hands are not free to be open before the Lord in praise.

2 Corinthians 8 and 9 are great chapters that teach us more about giving.  We find the church of Macedonia doing just as the poor widow did- giving out of their severe trial. The Macedonians pleaded to take part in God’s work no matter how they had to sacrifice. We also have that same opportunity. We can give sacrificially beyond what God has called us to tithe because we know that God will meet all our needs. We should pray through how God wants us to use our money. As we follow His leadership in our giving, we can be confident that He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase our store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of our righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:10). Whoever sows generously, will reap generously. God loves a cheerful giver. May we be described that way.

Luke 21 continues with the disciples telling Jesus how beautiful the temple is. Jesus responds to the disciples with a warning. He tells them that things will not always be as they are at the moment. The disciples continued by inquiring about the time frame of the end of the age. Jesus responds by telling them not what they want to hear but with what they need to hear. Jesus instructs the disciples in how they should live in order to be prepared for the end times. He gives them five main warnings that we should also take heed of.

First, Jesus tells the disciples to not be deceived. There will be many who come proclaiming they are Christ. We should not be surprised by this. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 says, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” The deception of the enemy is great. For us to not be deceived by the enemy, then we must know the truth.  Everything we hear and every thought we have should all be matched up to truth. Do not be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Jesus then tells the disciples to not be afraid. There will be wars, natural disasters, etc. These things will help us to know that the end is near. They can serve as a reminder that our redemption is not far off. We can overcome fear by resting in God’s love.  1 John 4:16-18 says, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

Next, Jesus warns the disciples that they will be persecuted for their faith. Jesus also reminds them that He will give them the words to say. 2 Timothy 3:12 tells us that anyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted. Persecution of Christians is becoming more of a reality in the borders of the United States. Read part of this article from BGGNI.com.  

In November 2009, Oasis of Truth Church was ordered in a letter from a Gilbert code compliance officer to stop church meetings in Pastor Joe Sutherland's home, based on the town's Land Development Code. The officer was not responding to a complaint, but to signs he came across near Sutherland's home about the meetings. The town contends that, under its zoning code, churches within its borders cannot have any home meetings of any size, including Bible studies, three-person church leadership meetings, and potluck dinners. This ban is defended based upon traffic, parking, and building safety concerns. However, nothing in its zoning code prevents weekly Cub Scouts meetings, Monday Night Football parties with numerous attendees, or large business parties from being held on a regular basis in private homes. In fact, the zoning code explicitly allows some day cares to operate from homes. Notably, the church only met for a few hours a week in members' homes, and would rotate to different homes weekly. Further, the church was quite small, consisting of just seven adult members, including three married couples, and their four children.

We too need to remember that God will provide for all our needs as we face persecution for our faith.

The last two things that Jesus tells His disciples are to stand firm and to not let their hearts get weighed down by the things of this world. There are so many distractions and so many things calling for our attention today. Remember that we should be investing our time into the eternal things. God’s Word will stand forever. For us to be able to stand firm and not follow the path of our culture, then we must remain steadfast in God’s Word. May it forever be on our hearts, minds, and lips. Listen to what God told Joshua that he needed to do in order to live victoriously. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the Lord’s return is near. Be strong and courageous as we fight the battle that rages around us.

-Jennifer Jones, Discipleship Manager