DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS

St. Luke 21:28-33    (1/17)      For Thurs of the 34th Week after Pentecost (Thurs, 29th Week)

 

Whom To Believe? St. Luke 21:28-33, especially vss. 32, 33: “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”  By many means, this present world promotes preparation for “great futures:” secure retirement, good education for the children, and protection of valuables against all risks.  Notice: every one of these promotional plans is designed for time-limited hereafters, set periods that loom before us in the days, months, or years ahead.

Hear the Lord Jesus’ words about the future: “Heaven and earth will pass away....”  How do you prepare for your demise or of that of the universe - space, time, the whole physical creation?  The Lord’s words do put a question to you.  Into what future should you pour your primary energy in this life: some probable near or later time within this present limited existence, or the everlasting and unending Kingdom of Heaven?  Be sure this question does not disdain estate planning.

The real question is whom should you believe: the world and its options, or the Lord Jesus and His promise of eternity?  The world prefers to ignore what the Lord says.  Secular man calls it “pious talk” or “religious jargon.”  He discounts eternity as a vague, spiritual prospect far removed from a meaningful future, with no bearing on any present or foreseeable events.  However, Beloved, dismissing concern about the ultimate end of “all things” is sorely contrary to the Lord Jesus’ advice.  Our Lord Jesus is firm and definite.  He desires everyone to be alert and “watch” for the signs of the final conclusion of “all things” (Lk. 21:32).  He repeats the admonition twice, effectively saying, “Perspective is really crucial” (vss. 28,31), for you die once, and then the judgment (Heb. 9:27)

The Blessed Theophylact of Ochrid reiterates the Lord’s admonition.  He enjoins us to believe our God and Savior, not to lose overall perspective in this world with its immediate, time-bound concerns.  Listen: “Here He shows that He holds the Church in greater honor than all creation, for if all creation is changed, then no part of it outlives or is superior to His words and the Church of the faithful, which shall not pass away.”  Come then, let us examine Christ’s words more closely and consider carefully, whom to believe.  Where should you invest your energy?”

Notice first: the Lord emphasizes looking and watching, “look up, lift up your heads” (vs. 28), “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees” (vs. 29), “When they are already budding you see and know...” (vs. 30), “So you also, when you see these things happening, know...” (vs. 31).

What is Christ’s meaning in these remarks?  In Gethsemane He said to His first disciples, who kept falling asleep, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Mt. 26:41).  Especially He is directing us to watch inwardly, to watch our hearts.  Labor to free your heart from degrading passions and worldly thoughts; for “when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, ‘Why are you reasoning in your hearts?’” (Lk. 5:22).  Christ emphasizes watching within, as Blessed Theophylact explains: “the first coming of the Lord was for the re-fashioning and rebirth of our souls, so the second coming will be for the rebirth of our bodies.”  Look within to meet the Spirit Who can help you cleanse your soul now. 

Therefore, now is the time to concentrate on the cleansing of the inner life.  Think!  When the Lord comes, will you be found worthy of His perfect liberation - for both soul and body?  Be alert for the return of the Lord, focusing on those inner movements that cause you to sin, for sin alone keeps you from Him.  If you will struggle now to please Him, fear of the Lord will grow within to reveal what yet remains that separates you from Him.  “Glory to Thee Who hast shown us the light!”

O Christ, our Ruler, Guide, and God, increase and multiply Thy mercy upon us that we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things Eternal.

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