Luke 21: 25-36: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
This passage from Luke reminds us of the Advent theme of anticipation, not anticipation of the birth of Christ, but the time when Christ will come again, when our redemption is complete. Vs. 32 is problematic because it suggests that Christ's return will happen in the lifetime of those listeners. Clearly, that did not happen.
Christ calls us to be vigilant. Not just anticipating Christ's return as some theological assertion, but living our lives accordingly. This question sound like it came straight from a country-western song, but what would you do if you knew the end were coming in three days? Would you ride a bull named Fu Manchu (now I am in country-western lyrics!)? I suspect Christ had something more in mind, probably dealing with being in right relationship with others and with God. How can you be at work in your life to be in right relationship as you anticipate the second coming of Christ?
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