Luke 17, Part 3

Scripture: Luke 17:20-37

Observation: The Pharisees ask when the kingdom of God is coming. Jesus tells them the kingdom is among them, indicating He is directly tied in to the kingdom. He then turns to His disciples and explains that times will be tough, but they need to hang in there. Jesus says His return will be sudden and noticable, like lightning in the sky. In those days, just as in the days of Noah and Lot, people will be living their lives like normal; until the flood came, or fire rained from heaven. In Jesus' case, judgment will come on His day. Jesus' return will be swift. There will be no time to look back (Lot's wife). His return will bring judgment and death for those on the wrong side.

Application: Jesus is King. The kingdom is present in Christ. He suffered, as was needed, and now sits on His throne, preparing for the day of judgment. It will come when least expected. Life will be going on as usual. That could mean TODAY! Jesus could come at any time. Is my heart focused on His return, or on what I'm leaving behind?

Prayer: Father, the treasures of this earth are meaningless, when compared to the glories of Your Kingdom. This world offers little, and corruptible; You offer much, and eternal. I want to live my life, not like any ordinary life, but as an extraordinary life for an extraordinary God. In Jesus' name, Amen.