Things to Come – Part 4

December 11, 2025

Broadcast

                        Things to Come - Part 4
                             Luke 21:34-36
                              12/11/2025

        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.  (ESV)

        Jesus was teaching His disciples about the judgment of all
   people at the end of the age.  His warning was not only for His
   disciples, but for all people of all time.

        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.
        For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the
        whole earth.  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.


        We all take to heart the Boy Scout motto, ``Be Prepared.''
   This time of year we keep a blanket and food and a shovel in the
   car, not that we expect to be stranded, but in case that happens.
   We stock up on the non-perishable items that we may need in case
   of a blizzard.  Many have a backup generator to power their
   houses in the event of an electrical outage.

        In the same way we prepare for winter, we should prepare for
   the coming of Christ Jesus to judge the living and the dead.  Our
   preparation is not by having candles and matches and extra food,
   but in reading, learning, and hearing about God's rich grace,
   love, and mercy.  We prepare for Jesus' second coming by
   acknowledging that He is here, even now, with those who have
   faith in Him.

        May our Lord grant us wisdom to hear His Word and to believe
   it.  Amen.