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Luke 21:25-28 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. KJV
One cannot turn on the television or the radio without hearing the word turmoil. This year has certainly brought with it much turmoil along with perplexity. I looked up the word, ‘perplexity’ to get a feel for the meaning, and this is what I found.
- Bewilderment
- Confusion
- Bafflement
- Puzzlement
- Understanding (antonym)
Americans lost loved ones in the Oklahoma City bombing and the Twin Towers. We’ve experienced earthquakes in increased numbers. Tornadoes over the past few years are on the rise, and then the most recent tragedy, hurricanes with flooding. Thousands of lives have been lost in the war, and the list goes on in increasing numbers.
Turmoil is a part of life. However, Jesus told his disciples about a special type of tumult that believers could expect prior to His return. Jesus told his disciples of the destruction of the temple, he then predicted the apocalyptic signs that would affect the earth before his return. The signs would appear in the sun, moon and the stars.
Jesus spoke of the waves roaring…..Gravitational forces in both the moon and the sun influence the behavior of bodies of water. Any change in behavior could affect the earth’s environment.
We saw this in relationship to the recent hurricanes across Florida, and the more recent one that battered the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. Is it no wonder so many people were left with a feeling of helplessness and bewilderment? Both, the believer and the nonbeliever were affected by the hurricanes. Jesus knew that people’s hearts would cause them to fear. He knew the terror that would attack his people. Anytime there is a calamity, there is a certain amount of fear, but those who know the Lord must respond by trusting in Christ with hope and courage.
The good news? Yes, even in the midst of all the sorrows, we have seen hope spilling forth from the hearts of mankind as thousands open their hearts, their homes, and shared the love of God. Many gave hours of time, food, clothing, shelter or simply a shoulder to cry on. Officers, firemen, emergency personnel, servicemen and many more all gathered with one purpose and one heart.
All these things are a prelude to the coming of Jesus Christ. I believe it with all my heart. And so, I leave you with this final thought…We, as believers, should be encouraged even in the midst of the storm…look up, your redemption draws near. Even so, come Lord Jesus.
Copyright 2005 by Marie Williams
