If you were asked to summarize our reading from St. Luke this morning into a straightforward sentence describing the message that Jesus is trying to convey, it would probably be something like “Only by faith in Jesus Christ can one escape the fires of hell.” However, it is undoubtedly a true statement and summarizes the text sufficiently; it does not sit well with our modern sensibilities. But why not? Maybe because we don’t want to think about the day of the Lord? Or perhaps we don’t want to be seen as exclusive, that we do not care about other people? Yet, that is not what we are conveying here. To say that only Jesus Christ offers a means of escape from doom is a statement of great hope. That man cannot save himself. That no matter his efforts or his failures, they do not determine anything.
It is our Lord Jesus Christ who has paid the sacrifice of our redemption. Christ Jesus is the source of our salvation. So when he comes again in power and great glory, we cannot start concealing and hiding away our sins or even counting up how many good works we have. We do not need to prepare exhibits as if we were going to trial on the Day of the Lord, showing God beyond a reasonable doubt that we should be brought to the kingdom of heaven. For Christ already knows that we are unworthy of Him. And still, God provides a means to escape his mighty judgment in His only begotten Son. There is only one way to the Father in our Lord Jesus, and this is also for our good. It means we can be certain that Jesus gives salvation as no other man or creature can.
When the signs that the day of the Lord draws near, all people see the signs that our Lord speaks of. The sun, the moon, and the stars will not seem to appear as they once did. And there will be distress between the nations, there will be outbreaks of war and violence. Nations will rise up against nations and kingdoms will rise up against kingdoms. The seas and the waters will become violent as in the days of Noah. Upon the land, there will be famines, pestilence, and earthquakes in various places. Causing the heart of the unbeliever to faint, for in those latter days, there will be no denying that the Lord of heaven and earth, Jesus Christ, is soon returning. And yet these signs will not convert them but will only harden their hearts all the more.
You, dear Christian, will not be counted among the fearful and the dreading. Even while these things take place, our Lord offers this single instruction to us: “Straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” For these are the signs our faith has longed for. When they occur, they should not scare you because you know what is coming next. Christ Jesus will bring forth the new heavens and new earth, the dead will be raised, and all the faithful believers in Christ will dwell in His presence unto life everlasting.
If we know what awaits us, why do we become obsessed with the things of this age? Do we allow the things of this life to affect our faith in Christ? Will we also be taking back with the final signs just as those without faith? There are countless ways we do this. Could be worrying about politics and who holds power in their hands at the present moment, yet almost forgetting that God is in control, that all power is in his hands, and though they may reign for a moment, his kingdom will have no end. It could also be about silly things, such as how scientists predict the end of the world due to climate change and mass extinction. Although it is God who orders the seasons, no man can change when the end comes, as it is our Lord who destroys the old for the purpose of bringing the new.
Or do we worry about other people too much in the wrong way? Yes, we should care for others’ needs, but we don’t need to worry about what individual people think of us. Whatever we do, even if it is the right thing, we will not please our family or our friends. As our Lord says, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you.”And by pleasing everyone, you have pleased no one, especially your heavenly Father. Remember, if others are complaining about you or spreading rumors about you, it is because they have nothing better to do. The reverse of this statement is also true. Don’t be quickly handed over to gossip. We waste so much of our time keeping each other in the loop on things that will soon be forgotten. Gossip really only harms those who spread it, showing how much they take an interest in things that should not come to mind, and especially from their lips.
And so repent of these things, for we do not know the day nor the hour that the Son of God will return. Christ will come with all his glory and power, with all his angels and archangels, and we will meet him in the skies. Therefore, let us not be found crouched down, worried about ourselves. Rather, looking up to the Lord Jesus Christ, as our redemption has finally drawn near. For he has accomplished our salvation by his blood and sacrifice of the cross. This is what he has planned for you: that you would endure and be strengthened in the one true faith. Christ will deliver you from the things that will come. And because of his grace and mercy, you will be made ready to see him and to be brought into your redemption.
This is not the end we deserve, but it is the end that he has promised, the end that he has won for us.
Therefore, do not be anxious about anything at all. For Christ has come to deliver you from the worries of this world. And when you see the signs, you have no reason to fear, so look up to Christ. As you have faith in Christ, our Lord, He will keep your eyes fixed on him. And when you see him, you will be filled with pure joy. And you would be present with Christ and know the fullness of your redemption unto life everlasting.
St. John's and Grace Evangelical Lutheran Parish 