7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”
8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ [a]Therefore do not [b]go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”
10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will [c]answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or [d]resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.
Luke 21:7-19
The signs of the times and the end of the age. For those who believe it is near impossible to ignore the signs that Jesus is returning soon. The utter chaos of the past few decades and years. Covid. Wars. Riots. Earthquakes. Sin on parade at levels I’ve never seen in my lifetime.
All of this book-ended by some voices preaching the end times but forgetting repentance, promoting legalism over eternity. “Soon” in biblical terms may be days, weeks, years, even centuries. This section of scripture closes with “By your patience possess your souls.” I think this is one of the most important verses here.
Jesus is warning us so we may be aware and avoid deception through all the signs and persecution, however He makes sure to remind us to be patient. By that patience, we will take possession of our souls while others are lost. Let us not be so focused on the end that we take our eyes off Him even for a moment.
