“God is in control”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Saturday, December 7, 2024

Luke 21: 5-19 (Forward, p. 39) CEV p. 1091

Many people read today’s passage with an eye to two questions, namely ‘when’ and ‘how can we know’. And, after all, these are sensible and logical questions, the very ones that people asked Jesus about after hearing Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Many people focus on the incidence of false Messiahs, riots, wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilence, and signs in the heavens, and try to construct some sort of cosmic timeline. However, I think that it is a mistake to dwell on these, to focus our attention on this kind of thing. Indeed, Jesus is deliberately vague about this:

Concerning the first these ‘signs’, He says, ‘these things will

have to happen first, but this isn’t the end” (verse 9b). So, none of

these are definite.

Then, after another litany of woes, He says ‘before all this happens’,

and mentions the persecution that will befall Christians.

And what is the point of all this? To add up the ‘signs’ and attempt to construct some sort of divine timeline? No, not at all. Jesus plainly told us that knowing the timing of the end times is off limits to us. He told us that it is entirely up to the Father, that not even He is aware of its details. So, our responsibility is to remain faithful to Himself no matter what comes our way. To tell our story when the time comes and not to give up on Him. God knows what is up, cares for us, and will work everything out. God is in control, whether it seems like it or not.

Forward notes: “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” (verse 7)

“A radio ad begins with the enticing words, ‘Are you clouded with uncertainty? Frozen with fear? Want to connect with your full potential? We offer the joy of certainty!’ That sounds pretty good—I can see the allure. We all want signs. We all seek certainty. The first followers of Jesus wanted certainty too. They were concerned about knowing the time of the in-breaking of God’s reign on earth. They wanted to know when it would be that they could throw off the shackles of their oppressors and smite those who had caused them pain. But Jesus did not come to offer certainty. Jesus came to restore and center love and to inspire faith.

“I have often found that in times of upheaval and turmoil, we human beings seek certainty, especially in matters of faith. Advent is a good reminder that the opposite of faith is not doubt but absolute certainty. We attempt to play God when we fall to the temptation of the ‘joy of certainty.’”

Moving Forward: “Can you embrace the joy of uncertainty?”