25“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21)
Thoughts: It is not time to panic. In fact, there is never a time to panic if you believe God is on the throne. Evil and hate will not win. The persecutors and haters will not win. The good news is not that we have lots of money and lots of government that has a large army to keep us safe and control our wrong-doing. The good news is not that we have lots of video cameras in our streets to record the bad things that happen. The good news is that God still cares about us and wishes us to know His hope. Christians, the Bible says, even have hope when the world is coming to an end. When your world seems to be coming to an end- that is when you also should lift up your head to see Jesus. He does not leave us alone and comfort-less. He comes. He has done it time after time and will do it again.
Prayer; Help me to trust in you, O Lord.
Q & A 51
Q. How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?
A. First, through his Holy Spirit he pours out gifts from heaven upon us his members.1
Second, by his power he defends us and keeps us safe from all enemies.2
Q & A 52
Q. How does Christ’s return “to judge the living and the dead” comfort you?
A. In all distress and persecution, with uplifted head, I confidently await the very judge who has already offered himself to the judgment of God in my place and removed the whole curse from me.1 Christ will cast all his enemies and mine into everlasting condemnation, but will take me and all his chosen ones to himself into the joy and glory of heaven.2
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