Last days for Lutheran Schools. Luke 21:5-19

Luke 21:5-19  Gospel reading for Sunday 14th November

Some random ramblings for this week's reflections ...

The exchange in Luke 21 from verse 5, follows on directly from Jesus' comments on the widow's offering. What makes it immediately interesting is what is NOT said. There is absolutely no (recorded) response to the offering story. It is almost like water off a duck's back ... as if the disciples weren't listening. They go on a completely different thread of thinking ... hey boss ...isn't this a great building ... just look at that stonework!

Scene: A Lutheran Church or School near us? :

Lutheran School leader  ... "Hey isn't our school looking great (v5) ... (thanks to all that Kev money)

Jesus responds ... but one day all of your schools and churches will fall apart  (v6) ... but note that this is not going to happen right away (v9) ... so don't just sit around twiddling your thumbs ... there's work to do (v12).
You are still my witnesses (v 13) ... I know that it is going to be tough ... but that's what my schools (LSA schools) are here for ... to tell my story ... and yeah, you can expect a few knocks ... but don't give up, I'll be plugging for you (and even give you the words to say). Stick at the job ... by hanging in there (with me) you will gain life."

Scene: The breakfast table
What if we are invited to a final breakfast with Jesus one day this week? Sort of like the AFL Grand-final breakfast before the big event. But this is no ordinary breakfast ... a special last meal (just for us personally 1 on 1),  full-smorgasbord buffet breakfast, everything laid on, as a celebration and culmination to our life here on earth. What would we do in the lead up to that, knowing that our time on earth is about to end? Maybe we'd want to be in touch with loved ones ... maybe we would want to show special love to those around us.
Isn't this what we are called to do right now in our life? To show that special love of Jesus to those around us? (Not to sit around twiddling our thumbs ... but taking every opportunity to show people Jesus by our actions)

Addendum: When we read on (v20-28)we note something very interesting chronologically ... given that Luke's Gospel could not have been written before 80 A.D at the earliest of estimates, the destruction of Jerusalem that Jesus refers to would have already happened! So the people of the early church would have understandably been paranoid, pre-occupied and focused on thinking about the last days.

So what do we make of all that?

May we be blessed as we experience the presence of God and his coming to us in a personal way as we reflect on his words to us this week.

Blessings,
Nev