Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

 

---

Read

Luke 21:20-24 (NRSV)

“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

 

---

Reflect

Many people look at the way things are today and wonder if they can get much worse. Some couples even hesitate to have children for fear of bringing children into such an uncertain world, where their future may not be very bright. We talk about the damage done to our environment, the decline in morals and values, the state of education, the increase in violence in society worldwide, and truly wonder if Jesus will soon be returning to the earth.

The people of Jesus’ time had many of the same concerns. Luke goes so far as to say that those who are pregnant or nursing babies will know great distress. Jerusalem is going to fall, and with it life as the people have known it. Yet, there is hope. When the times of the Gentiles have been fulfilled, God’s people will return to their rightful place. Don’t give up; God is in control.

 

---

Pray

God, we live in very uncertain times, times during which we may wonder where you are. Yet you are watching over us and we have hope for the future. Help us to imbue that hope in future generations. Amen.

 

Go with God!