LHM Daily Devotions - Summer Coming

"Summer Coming"

Nov. 29, 2018

And He (Jesus) told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near."

~ Luke 21:29-31 (ESV)

A friend of mine has a really strong negative reaction with anything to do with the end of the world. She can't stand the book of Revelation, and the Gospel passages that usually get read right before Advent make her squirm. She has good reason, because she grew up in a family where the emphasis was on the scary stuff: the persecution, the disasters, the final judgment.

I have to admit that whenever I think of the last days of this world, I have much the same reaction. There have been too many movies, too many popular books, too many radio and TV preachers who focus on terror. But that isn't the whole story. It's not even the main story. If we focus on the scary bits, we are missing the point.

Look at the story Jesus uses to make His point. He says, "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near."

Wait a minute. Fig trees? Fresh green leaves? Summer coming? None of that sounds particularly terrifying. In fact, it sounds pretty good! In the depths of winter, who doesn't look for signs of spring and the warmer weather returning? Flowers, fruit, outside living -- even the heat makes a nice change from the cold of winter.

From this viewpoint, the last days are something to look forward to -- something to hope for -- because of what is coming next. And what is that? Why, the kingdom of God in all its glory. A universe where there is no more evil or sin or guilt or shame. A world where human beings live at peace with one another and with God's healed creation. A place where God is always with us, showering us with His love, and protecting us from every evil.

As John writes in Revelation 7:15-17, "Therefore they (God's people) are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Now that is something to look forward to!

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me look forward to Your coming and to rejoice in You. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
A friend of mine has a really strong negative reaction with anything to do with the end of the world.