Luke Chapter 21 # 6

Luke Chapter 21 # 6

We should mark, secondly, in this passage - our Lord's words about flight in time of danger. He says respecting the days preceding the siege of Jerusalem, "Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains - let those in the city get out - and let those in the country not enter the city."

The lesson of these words is very instructive. They teach us plainly that there is nothing cowardly or unworthy of a Christian in endeavoring to escape from danger. There is nothing unfitting our Christian profession, in a diligent use of means in order to secure our safety. To meet death patiently and courageously, if it comes on us in the path of God's providence - is a duty incumbent on every believer. But to court death and suffering, and rush needlessly into danger - is the part of the fanatic and enthusiast, not of the wise disciple of Christ. It is those who use all means which God has placed within their reach, who may confidently expect God's protection. There is a wide difference between presumption and genuine faith.

We should mark, thirdly, in this passage - our Lord's words about vengeance. He says, with reference to the siege of Jerusalem, "These are the days of vengeance (punishment) that all things which are written may be fulfilled."

There is something particularly solemn in this expression. It shows us that the sins of the Jewish nation had been long noted down in the book of God's remembrance. The Jews by their unbelief and impenitence, had been treasuring up wrath against themselves for many hundred years. The anger of God, like a pent-up river - had been silently accumulating for ages. The fearful tribulation which attended the siege of Jerusalem, would only be the outburst of a thunderstorm which had been gradually gathering since the days of the kings! It would only be the fall of a sword which had been long hanging over Israel's head!

The lesson of the expression is one which we shall do well to lay to heart. We must never allow ourselves to suppose that the conduct of wicked men or nations is not observed by God. All is seen - and all is known! A reckoning day will certainly arrive at last. It is a mighty truth of Scripture, that "God requires that which is past!" (Ecc. 3:15). In the days of Abraham, "the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full" - and four hundred years passed away before they were punished. Yet punishment came at last, when Joshua and the twelve tribes of Israel took possession of Canaan. God's sentence against an evil work" is not always executed speedily - but it does not follow that it will not be executed at all. The wicked may flourish for many years "like a green bay tree" - but his latter end will be that his sin will surely find him out.

We should mark, lastly, in this passage - our Lord's words about the times of the Gentiles. We read that He said, "Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles is fulfilled."

A fixed period is here foretold, during which Jerusalem was to be given over into the hands of Gentile rulers, and the Jews were to have no dominion over their ancient city. A fixed period is likewise foretold which was to be the time of the Gentiles visitation - the time during which they were to enjoy privileges, and occupy a position something like that of Israel in ancient days.

Both periods are one day to end. Jerusalem is to be once more restored to its ancient inhabitants. The Gentiles, because of their hardness and unbelief - are to be stripped of their privileges and endure the just judgments of God. But the times of the Gentiles are not yet run out. We ourselves are living within them at the present day.

The subject before us is a very affecting one, and ought to raise within us great searchings of heart. While the nations of Europe are absorbed in political conflicts and worldly business - the sands in their hour-glass are ebbing away. While governments are disputing about secular things - their days are numbered in the sight of God. Yet in a few years, and "the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled." Their day of visitation will be past and gone. Their misused privileges will be taken away. The judgments of God shall fall on them. They shall be cast aside as vessels in which God has no pleasure. Their dominion shall crumble away, and their vaunted institutions shall fall to pieces. The Jews shall be restored. The Lord Jesus shall come again in power and great glory. The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ, and the "times of the Gentiles" shall come to an end!

Happy is he who knows these things, and lives a life of faith in the Son of God! He is the man, and he alone - who is ready for the great things coming on the earth, and the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. The kingdom to which He belongs, is the only kingdom which shall never be destroyed. The King whom he serves - is the only King whose dominion shall never be taken away" (Daniel 2:44; 7:14).

~J. C. Ryle~

(continued with # 7)