Daily Devotions
Luke
Luke 17 : 31-37 "WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN THE LIGHT OF THE DAY OF THE SON OF MAN?"
Day 215 – Luke 17
Text: Luke 17 : 31-37
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN THE LIGHT OF THE DAY OF THE SON OF MAN?
Do we really believe in the Return of the Son of Man? It may be a fact that many do not truly believe in the Return of the Son of Man!
There may be mental assent that the Scriptures indeed mentioned that Jesus would return – one day! But do we really believe in this truth? Is it just another Scriptural fact that we squirrel away somewhere in the back of our mind?
It is not enough to declare that we believe in the Return of the Son of Man. If there is true belief, then there must be evidence of that belief in our life! Few things are as critically important to believe as the Return of the Son of Man!
“IN THAT DAY, HE WHO IS ON THE HOUSETOP, AND HIS GOODS ARE IN THE HOUSE, LET HIM NOT COME DOWN TO TAKE THEM AWAY…” Luke 17:31
“In that day…” This phrase is the abbreviated phrase for the Return of the Son of Man. Jesus believed in His own Return. He taught this as a great reality to His Disciples. He expects to return for His own and He expected His Disciples to be as eager in anticipating His return.
How does one prove that he truly understands and accepts this truth of the Return of the Son of Man? Jesus sought to illustrate His argument.
If we have traveled on a plane, or on a ship, we would be familiar with instructions to be followed in case of an emergency arising. All passengers are reminded that they must take NOTHING with them when they have to evacuate at the emergency exits. Anything taken could hinder the smooth evacuation procedure. Life is more important than any material possession.
What would you attempt to grab if you had a chance? Would you grab your briefcase? Would you attempt to bring some of your valuables? What could be more than important than to save one’s life?
The point Jesus sought to make was obvious! The response a person determined, the response a person made – that was of paramount importance! If one knew the significance and meaning of Jesus’ return, would one dawdle?
If one were on the rooftop, and from afar saw the coming of the Son of Man, what should be the most appropriate response? Jesus expected nothing less than forsaking everything and looking forward to being with Him! There shouldn’t be any other thought than that of being fully prepared to see Him.
If one were in the field, and one sees the Coming of the Son of Man, the heart should be such that there is no turning back (Luke 17:31).
True belief must be full belief. There are no regrets in full belief. Belief in the Return of the Son of Man should be as full and complete as possible. It would surely involve Discipleship. There should be NO REGRETS, and NO TURNING BACK for the person who truly believes in the Son of Man!
“REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE…” Luke 17:32
This is an important aphoristic phrase, “Remember Lot’s Wife.” Jesus certainly believed in the Scriptures, and in the historicity of the event when God sent His angels to judge and then finally destroy Sodom and Gomorrah (Cf. Genesis 19).
The twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were investigated and found to be guilty of heinous sins. The angels of God were sent to destroy the cities. The solemn words recorded in Genesis remind us that judgment from God must be taken seriously…
“Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire
on Sodom and Gomorrah,
from the Lord out of the heavens…”
Genesis 19:24
The angels had warned Lot and his family to flee from the Judgment that God would mete out against the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah! They were told specifically that they must not look back.
“Escape for your life! Do not look behind you
nor stay anywhere in the plain.
Escape to the mountains,
Lest you be destroyed!”
Genesis 19:17
This was the force behind the words of Jesus when He gave the illustration about not coming down to the house to take anything. When the Son of Man returns, it would be to judge the world, and the state of the world is no better than Sodom and Gomorrah!
A chance has been given to flee the world and to escape! If there is indeed full faith in the words of Jesus at all, there would be no turning back! Lot’s wife did not fully believe in the words of the angels! The Scriptures graphically recorded this fateful decision of Lot’s wife.
“But his wife looked back behind him,
and she became a pillar of salt.”
Genesis 19:26
The judgment of God was probably that of a volcanic eruption that engulfed the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. When a volcano erupts, the only course of action that is sane would be to flee for one’s life. One does not hesitate. No one rushes back to the house to rescue a favourite vase or painting. To be able to escape with one’s life would be considered sufficient!
ARE WE TRULY READY FOR THE RETURN OF THE SON OF MAN?
Are we ready for the Return of the Lord Jesus Christ? When He returns, He will bring judgment with Him. Are we still attached to the things of this world? Are we still having lingering doubts as to the truth of what Jesus said about His return? “He who hesitates is lost” is an axiom we can place next to “Remember Lot’s wife.”