The Self-Centered Nature of Bible Reading
September 12, 2023
Luke 21:5-28 | Romans 12:3
Let’s step back a bit with today’s reading, above the text. It’s not wrong to search for ourselves in the Bible, but we need to measure carefully the conclusions we draw.
Today’s passage has been interpreted pretty strongly over the years. Many different generations have read the signs Jesus describes and assumed them into their own times. On one level, there is nothing wrong with this. The Bible has all sorts of resonation with the human experience.
But there is often a certain self-centeredness some bring to their reading of scripture - “This is about me.”
This particular passage had significant implications for the very disciples to whom Jesus was speaking. Tradition holds that the disciples experienced exactly that which Jesus warned them about here. The temple sure did.
Please: read the Bible from your heart. Chew on the gospels in light of your own life and what you are experiencing. But be careful to make it only about you or written just for you.
Jesus came, lived, died, and rose again for the sake of the whole world. (Scenarios that purport that if you were the only one alive, he still would have died…are moot. This is not the situation.)
The world today is experiencing many of the difficult features within this passage. Jesus’ words of warning and encouragement are for us, indeed. But don’t paint your “The End is Near” signs quite yet.
Only the Lord knows.
Just keep living as he has taught and demonstrated.
Luke 21:5-28
Some people were talking about the temple, how it was decorated with beautiful stones and ornaments dedicated to God. Jesus said, “As for the things you are admiring, the time is coming when not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.”
They asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? What sign will show that these things are about to happen?”
Jesus said, “Watch out that you aren’t deceived. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ and ‘It’s time!’ Don’t follow them. When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end won’t happen immediately.”
Then Jesus said to them, “Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other. There will be great earthquakes and wide-scale food shortages and epidemics. There will also be terrifying sights and great signs in the sky. But before all this occurs, they will take you into custody and harass you because of your faith. They will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will provide you with an opportunity to testify. Make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance. I’ll give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to counter or contradict. You will be betrayed by your parents, brothers and sisters, relatives, and friends. They will execute some of you. Everyone will hate you because of my name. Still, not a hair on your heads will be lost. By holding fast, you will gain your lives.
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that its destruction is close at hand. At that time, those in Judea must flee to the mountains, those in the city must escape, and those in the countryside must not enter the city. These are the days of punishment, when everything written will find its fulfillment. How terrible it will be at that time for women who are pregnant or for women who are nursing their children. There will be great agony on the earth and angry judgment on this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations. Jerusalem will be plundered by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are concluded.
“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. Then they will see the Human One coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.”
Romans 12:3
Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for this day. Help me to face it with boldness and wisdom. Give me grace for today such that my own self would be confident in who you are making me to be and that I would view others with compassion and goodwill.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.