Living in the Kingdom Luke 21:20-38 (10:45 AM)

Devotional

Day 1: Stand Up and Look for Your Redemption

In times of chaos and uncertainty, Jesus calls His followers not to cower in fear or hide away, but to stand up and lift their heads, knowing that redemption is drawing near. The world may be filled with distress, anxiety, and even terror, but for those who trust in Christ, these are reminders that God’s promises are true and His return is certain. Rather than being overwhelmed by the troubles around us, we are invited to live with hope and anticipation, confident that Jesus will come again in power and glory. Let your heart be encouraged today: no matter how dark the world may seem, your Redeemer is near, and His victory is sure. [47:13]

Luke 21:27-28 (ESV)
"And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed by the news or your personal struggles, what would it look like for you to “stand up and lift your head” in hope today?

Day 2: The Enduring Power of God’s Word

Everything in this world is temporary—nations rise and fall, circumstances change, and even the heavens and earth will pass away. Yet, Jesus assures us that His words will never pass away. The Word of God is a sure foundation, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us through every season of life. In a world full of shifting opinions and uncertainty, you can trust that God’s promises remain steadfast and true. Make it a priority to read, meditate on, and obey His Word, for it is the anchor that will hold you fast when everything else is shaken. [48:06]

Luke 21:33 (ESV)
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

Reflection: What is one promise or command from God’s Word that you need to hold onto and live out today, even as everything else around you changes?

Day 3: Watch and Pray for Strength

Jesus warns that the anxieties, distractions, and temptations of life can weigh down our hearts and leave us unprepared for His return. He urges us to be always on the watch and to pray for strength to escape the coming trials and to stand before Him. This is a call to spiritual alertness and dependence on God, not just for ourselves but for those around us. Take time today to examine your heart: are you distracted or weighed down by the cares of this life? Ask God to give you the strength to remain faithful, alert, and ready for whatever comes. [01:05:33]

Luke 21:34-36 (ESV)
"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can set aside distractions and intentionally watch and pray today?

Day 4: Recognize the Nearness of God’s Kingdom

Jesus teaches that just as the budding of the fig tree signals the coming of summer, so the signs of the times point to the nearness of God’s kingdom. The reality of God’s kingdom is not just a distant hope, but a present and coming reality that shapes how we live now. There is no pain, no sorrow, and no death in His kingdom—only joy, peace, and the fulfillment of every promise. Let this hope fill you with courage and purpose, knowing that God’s kingdom is breaking in even now, and will one day be fully revealed. [01:00:50]

Luke 21:29-31 (ESV)
"And he told them a parable: 'Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.'"

Reflection: How does the hope of God’s coming kingdom change the way you face pain, disappointment, or uncertainty today?

Day 5: Be Ready to Stand Before the Son of Man

Each of us will one day stand before Jesus—either at His return or at the end of our earthly life. The call is to be ready, to live with holiness, faithfulness, and obedience, knowing that He knows all and forgives all who trust in Him. This readiness is not about fear, but about living in the confidence of His grace and the assurance of salvation for all who confess Him as Lord. Take time to reflect: are you ready to meet Jesus? If not, today is the day to turn to Him, confess your faith, and receive His forgiveness and new life. [01:07:59]

Romans 10:9-11 (ESV)
"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, 'Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'"

Reflection: If you knew you would stand before Jesus today, what would you want to say to Him—and what would you want to hear Him say to you?

Sermon Summary

In Luke 21, Jesus speaks of times of upheaval, warning his followers about the coming destruction of Jerusalem, the distress of nations, and the signs in the heavens. These words are not just ancient history—they echo through the ages, reminding us that God’s purposes unfold in cycles: what has happened, is happening, and will happen again. The siege and suffering of Jerusalem, the scattering of God’s people, and the ongoing turmoil in Israel are all part of a larger story. God’s discipline is real, but so is his mercy. He warns not to be weighed down by the anxieties and distractions of life, but to remain alert, prayerful, and ready.

The “time of the Gentiles” is a season when the nations have influence over Jerusalem, a period that began with Babylon and continues even now. Yet, this is not the end of the story. Jesus promises that after distress and terror, after the world is shaken, he will return in power and glory. Every eye will see him. This is not a secret event, but a cosmic unveiling. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, Jesus calls his people to stand up, lift their heads, and recognize that redemption is near. We are not called to hide or cower, but to live with hope and courage, knowing that God’s kingdom is coming and his word will never pass away.

The call is to watch and pray, to guard our hearts against the numbing effects of pleasure, worry, and sin. Jesus urges us to be ready to stand before him, to live in obedience and holiness, and to keep our eyes on what God is doing in the world—especially in Israel. The promise is not that we will escape all trouble, but that God will keep and sustain us, whether we are spared from tribulation or preserved through it. Our hope is anchored in the unchanging word of God and the certainty of Christ’s return. The question for each of us is: are we ready to stand before the Son of Man? Today is the day to confess faith in Jesus, to trust in his salvation, and to live with the confidence that our true home is with him.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s discipline and mercy are inseparable God’s love is not opposed to his discipline. Throughout history, when his people turned to idols and injustice, God allowed consequences—even severe ones—to bring them back. Yet, his heart is always to restore, not destroy. Recognizing both his justice and his mercy keeps us humble and hopeful, knowing that even in judgment, God’s desire is to redeem. [50:40]
2. The “time of the Gentiles” points to God’s unfolding plan The ongoing influence of the nations over Jerusalem is not random; it’s part of God’s prophetic timeline. This period reminds us that God’s promises to Israel and the world are still in motion. As we watch world events, especially in Israel, we are called to discern the times and trust that God’s purposes will be fulfilled, even when we don’t understand every detail. [52:40]
3. Stand up and look for your redemption When the world is in turmoil, Jesus doesn’t call us to hide in fear but to stand up and lift our heads. Our redemption is drawing near. This posture of hope is not denial of trouble, but a declaration that God’s kingdom is breaking in. We are called to live as people of courage and expectation, confident that Christ will return and make all things new. [58:38]
4. God’s word is unchanging and life-giving Everything in this world is temporary, but God’s word endures forever. In times of confusion and change, the Scriptures are our anchor. They light our path, heal our hearts, and keep us from stumbling. Regular engagement with God’s word is not optional for the believer—it is essential for spiritual survival and growth. [60:50]
5. Watch, pray, and be ready to stand before Christ Jesus warns against being weighed down by the cares and pleasures of life. Instead, he calls us to be vigilant, prayerful, and ready to stand before him. This readiness is not about fear, but about living in holiness and obedience, confident in his forgiveness and eager for his return. Our hope is not in escaping trouble, but in being found faithful when he comes. [65:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[45:11] - Anticipating Heaven’s Joy
[45:23] - Reading Luke 21:20-38
[45:55] - Jerusalem Surrounded and Fulfilled Prophecy
[46:34] - Signs in the Heavens and Earth
[47:13] - The Coming of the Son of Man
[48:06] - Warnings Against Distraction and Anxiety
[49:03] - “It’s Time”: Understanding God’s Timing
[49:27] - Historical Punishment and God’s Discipline
[50:40] - The Time of the Gentiles Explained
[52:40] - Israel, Prophecy, and World Events
[54:22] - A Time of Terror and Tribulation
[56:20] - The Promise of Christ’s Return
[58:38] - Standing Up for Redemption
[60:50] - The Nearness of God’s Kingdom and His Word
[62:53] - God’s Sustaining Power in Daily Life
[65:33] - Watchfulness, Prayer, and Readiness
[67:59] - The Call to Obedience and Holiness
[70:08] - A Family Story of Restoration
[72:40] - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 21:20-38 (ESV) —
> 20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
>
> 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
>
> 29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
>
> 34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
>
> 37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

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## Observation Questions

1. According to Jesus in Luke 21, what are some of the signs that will happen before his return? (see especially verses 20-27)
2. What does Jesus say about the “time of the Gentiles” and Jerusalem in this passage? (v.24) [46:34]
3. What warning does Jesus give about the cares and distractions of life? (v.34-36) [48:06]
4. In the sermon, what examples were given about God’s discipline and mercy in Israel’s history? [50:40]

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## Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus tells his followers to “stand up and lift your heads” when things get difficult, instead of hiding or being afraid? [58:38]
2. The sermon said that God’s discipline and mercy are inseparable. How does understanding both change the way someone views God’s actions in history and in their own life? [50:40]
3. What does it mean that “God’s word will never pass away” even when everything else does? How might this shape a person’s response to uncertainty or fear? [01:00:50]
4. Jesus warns about being weighed down by “carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life.” What are some modern examples of these distractions, and why are they so dangerous spiritually? [48:06]

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## Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about God’s discipline and mercy working together. Is there a time in your life when you experienced God’s discipline? How did you also see his mercy in that situation? [50:40]
2. Jesus says to “stand up and lift your heads” when the world is in turmoil. What would it look like for you to live with hope and courage this week, even if things around you feel uncertain or scary? [58:38]
3. The “time of the Gentiles” reminds us that God’s plans are still unfolding. How do you respond when you see world events, especially those involving Israel? Do they make you anxious, hopeful, or something else? Why? [52:40]
4. Jesus warns against being weighed down by the cares and pleasures of life. Is there a specific worry, habit, or distraction that is keeping you from being spiritually alert? What is one step you could take this week to guard your heart? [48:06]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of God’s word as an anchor. How often do you engage with Scripture? What is one practical way you could make God’s word a more regular part of your daily routine? [01:00:50]
6. Jesus calls us to “watch and pray” so we can stand before him. What does it mean for you to be “ready” to stand before Jesus? Are there any changes you feel prompted to make in your life right now? [01:05:33]
7. The pastor shared a story about family restoration and being brought home. How does the promise of Jesus’ return and our true home with him affect the way you view your current struggles or disappointments? [01:10:08]

Sermon Clips

Listen to the words of Jesus he said people are going to be in terror they're going to have anxiety they're going to faint if you read the book of revelation it says men are going to wish that the rocks would fall on them and they could die it would be so bad that's tribulation and we need to read this and we need to check it out we need to believe it and we need to look at what's going on around us and we need to keep our eyes on Israel. [00:55:12] (27 seconds) #EndTimesAwareness

Get a picture of the acts of the apostles man I love the acts of the apostles and Jesus ascends into heaven and the disciples are all out on a mountain with him and they're there and he is taken up in a cloud and I have this picture in my mind of all the disciples standing there going and two angels have to appear and go guys hey hey look over here the way you saw him go up he's coming back in the same way. [00:56:40] (31 seconds) #JesusIsComingBack

If you keep reading they said Lord we don't know and they said I am the way I'm the truth I'm the life get your eyes on me look through the text and he's telling us what's going to happen and he's getting us prepared he says I'm coming I'm going to return in a cloud and it says every eye will see him no one's going to miss him I'm waiting for the trumpet sound and the archangel's voice you're going to see him we're going to hear him. [00:58:54] (37 seconds) #EyesOnJesus

But it says there's no pain and it says there's food like you can't believe man this is awesome and you know what else it says about heaven and the kingdom of God funerals and you know someday God's gonna get us all up and all those funerals he's gonna get them all up and it says the kingdom of God is near and then he says heaven and earth will pass away but then do you hear what he said he said but my word abides my word will always remain. [01:01:19] (49 seconds) #KingdomOfGod

It's so important because otherwise we will faint look at your next point it's time to watch and pray for strength to escape judgment you see what it says verse 34 be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing drunkenness and the anxieties of life and that day will close on you like a trap I don't want that he says verse 36 be always on the watch and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen that you may be able to stand. [01:05:16] (45 seconds) #WatchAndPray

So right away we're like see the church is going to be out of here God's going to rapture us maybe he is and if he does I'm going to be the first one on a ride but you know what even if he doesn't if we go through the tribulation God can protect you you remember you know Elijah Elijah I'm the only one left you know I'm the only one left I've been faithful and oh they're all after me and I'm the only one left and God said hey I got caves full of prophets. [01:06:38] (27 seconds) #StandInFaith

When was the last time you stopped and meditated on this word and said Lord am I ready to meet you and to stand before you man I sit there someday and I'm thinking wow Lord you know he knows everything I've ever done wrong or ever said wrong I got some whoppers out there he forgives me we really need to stop we need to obey it's a it's a word that has left our vocabulary hasn't it you go into any classroom and tell the children we're going to talk about obedience today. [01:08:44] (49 seconds) #HolinessAndFaithfulness

Now let's establish a fact are all of us crazy sometimes do we need to be institutionalized if you if you are part of a church you are you are in an institution did you know did you know that and you get your bride bring her home and as sure as we're here today Jesus is gonna come back the archangel is gonna shout the trumpets gonna blast he's gonna come back in a cloud and the question today are you ready to stand before the son of man. [01:12:04] (58 seconds) #ChurchIsHisBride

It's gonna happen when we die or when he comes back because we all have a date if you're in here today and you've never voiced your faith in Jesus it says if you confess with your mouth if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead it says you will be saved it says anyone who puts their hope in Jesus will not be put to shame if you've never done that today is the day of salvation if you're watching online you can do it at home. [01:13:01] (40 seconds) #ConfessAndBelieve

Father I ask you today to guide each and every one of us realize that it's time at any moment you can return that we need to recognize your kingdom and your word and we need to pray and watch and be ready because we're going to stand before you one day father I ask you to take your word and let it accomplish in each and every one of us what you've sent it to do today but Lord when we walk out the backdoors let us be confident that we know that our home is with you and you've prepared a place for us in Jesus precious name amen. [01:13:44] (47 seconds) #TimeToBeReady

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