Luke Chapter 21 # 3

Luke Chapter 21 # 3

Let us notice for another thing in this passage - our Lord Jesus Christ's solemn warning against deception. His striking words about the temple, drew from His disciples an important question, "Master, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?" Our Lord's reply to that question, was long and full. And it begins with a pointed caution, "Take heed that you are not deceived."

The position which this caution occupies, is very remarkable. it stands in the forefront of a prophecy of vast extent and universal importance to all Christians - a prophecy reaching from the day in which it was delivered, to the day of the second coming - a prophecy revealing matters of the most tremendous interest both to Jews and Gentiles - and a prophecy of which a large portion remains to be fulfilled. And the very first sentence of this wondrous prophecy is a caution against deception, "Take heed that you are not deceived."

The necessity of this caution has been continually proved in the history of the Church of Christ. On no subject perhaps have divines made so many mistakes as in the interpretation of unfulfilled prophecy. On no subject have they shown so completely, the weakness of man's intellect; and confirmed so thoroughly the words of Paul, "We now see indistinctly, as in a mirror. Now we know in part." (1 Cor. 13:12).

Dogmatism, positiveness, controversial bitterness, obstinacy in maintaining untenable positions, rash assertions and speculations - have too often brought discredit on the whole subject of the prophetic Scriptures, and caused the enemies of Christianity to blaspheme. There are only too many book on prophetic interpretation, on the title-pages of which might be justly written, "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge!?"

Let us learn from our Lord's warning words, to pray for a humble, teachable spirit, whenever we open the pages of unfulfilled prophecy. Here, if anywhere, we need the heart of a little child, and the prayer, "Open my eyes" (Psalm 119:18).

Let us beware, on the one side - of that lazy indifference which turns away from all prophetic Scripture, on account of its difficulties.

Let us beware, on the other side - of that dogmatic and arrogant spirit, which makes men forget that they are students, and talk as confidently as if they were prophets themselves.

Above all, let us read prophetic Scripture with a thorough conviction that the study carries with it a blessing, and that more light may be expected on it every year. The promise remains in full force, "Blessed is he who reads." At the time of the end, the vision shall be unsealed.

Section 122. Signs of the End of the Age, continued, Luke 21:10-19

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from Heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to mediate before what you shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And you shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and relatives, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And you shall be hated fo all men for My name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess you your souls."

We should notice, for one thing, in this passage - Christ's prediction concerning the nations of the world. He says, "Nation will be raised up against nation - and kingdom against kingdom. There will be violent earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places - and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from Heaven."

These words no doubt received a partial fulfillment in the days when Jerusalem was captured by the Romans, and the Jews were led into captivity. It was a season of unparalled desolation to Judea, and the countries round about Judea. The last days of the Jewish dispensation, were wound up by a struggle which for bloodshed, misery, and tribulation, has never been equaled since the world began.

~J. C. Ryle~

(continued with # 4)