awaiting

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28 (TNIV)

Prophecy is a curious thing. In one regard, this passage in the gospel of Luke is talking about the utter destruction of Jerusalem in 70A.D. In another regard, this passage is talking about another event entirely that is still yet to occur—Jesus’ return to earth. I wonder if the people who were hearing Jesus’ words expected both events to occur at the same time? I wonder if they were disappointed and disheartened when they didn’t? How horrible for them to experience the destruction of Jerusalem in 70A.D. only to have Jesus NOT return at that time!   I wonder if the experience of the one event without the other shattered the faith of the Christians at that time, or if they were wise enough (or fortunate enough to have perceived the Holy Spirit’s reminder) of the multi-faceted nature of prophecy in Scripture (one fulfillment in the near future and one for the far off future)? My heart goes out to each person in Jerusalem in 70A.D.; their suffering must have been devastating. I feel for the Christians in Jerusalem at that time—their trauma was not only physical, but spiritual as well. If ever a time was ripe for them to experience a “faith crisis”, that would be it.

As many may still be awaiting Messiah’s advent, I am awaiting his return. In the meantime, I consider the affect of these words upon me for today? What “devastation” is before me, and why would God instruct me to “stand up and lift up my head, because my redemption is drawing near” in the midst of it? As I quietly listen, this is what I hear:

“No redemption occurs without suffering and loss. Your own attachments to what you think, believe, expect, perceive, have, etc. must first be attacked and dislodged before whatever you truly are and have can be redeemed by the Holy Spirit for the purposes and glory of God. This is destructive, but what it destroys are the illusions, delusions, falsehoods and unrealities in your life and being. This destruction is traumatic but good, providing life and freedom for you that you have never known. Therefore, face these experiences in an upright position with your head high—confidant that I am in them, deconstructing the false for the purpose of reconstructing the true, for your good and my glory. As you await the completion of this transformation, be at peace and follow me.”