Luke 21  The first 4 verses of this chapter are focused on a poor widow who gave all she had as an offering.  Many gave out of their surplus, Jesus said, but she gave out of her poverty.  Her gift was worth "more than all of them" He declared.   Let us not miss this lesson as we read onto the rest of the chapter where Jesus begins to talk about the future of Jerusalem and of the earth...  All the beauty and splendor of the temple would soon be broken down and done away with.. but the value of a poor widow's offering  endures forever. 

Jesus opens the conversation about the future with a warning.. "See to it that you be not misled..."  The future for the disciples would not be easy.  There would be wars.. They would be persecuted. There would be earthquakes and plagues and famines.  But they did not need to be afraid, for God would give them opportunities to testify before "kings and governors."   He would give them the words to speak.. He would give them endurance.  

The future of Jerusalem would be devastating. Armies would come against them. The sword would be used against her people. "Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles.. " When  the "times of the Gentiles" is fulfilled and there are "signs in sun and moon and stars upon the earth.. ";  when the nations are dismayed, the powers of heaven are shaken.. then "they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." 

Jesus tells His people to keep looking up.. to be ready.. to be alert and praying "in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." 

We live in a day when all these things seem to be happening around us and we keep looking for Jesus to return. We must remember the lessons of this message from Jesus.. don't be deceived; don't be afraid; trust Him for words to testify of  His coming;  and be praying.. so that we will be ready.. 

Father in heaven,  we are fixing our eyes on Jesus, laying aside all that encumbers us, running the race set before us in Your strength and staying alert so that we can stand before our King.  May the power of Christ in us preserve us for that day.. as we offer our all to You. Amen.