Have you ever seen images of abandoned castles?
Can you imagine the beauty and splendor these places once had? The life, relationships, and dreams of the people who lived there?
Yet today, they stand empty.
Even the Greatest Things Fade
Throughout history, humanity has built marvels—wonders of architecture, art, and power. Consider the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World:
- The Colossus of Rhodes
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria
Out of all seven, only one still stands—the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Lesson: Everything man-made eventually crumbles.
- Careers start and end.
- Relationships change.
- Even our health is not permanent.
Jesus Speaks About a Greater Change (Luke 21:5-19)
One day, Jesus and His disciples stood in the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem.
The disciples marveled at its beauty—the massive stones, the ornate designs.
Yet, Jesus said something shocking:
“The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” – Luke 21:6
Even this great symbol of faith would one day fall.
Lesson:
Even things that seem unshakable will one day pass away.
Why does Jesus say this? Not to create fear, but to redirect our focus from the temporary to the eternal.
The End Times: A Topic of Great Interest
The end times have always fascinated people.
- Countless books have been written on prophecy and predictions.
- Thousands of theories have emerged.
But the sheer volume of writings does not necessarily bring clarity!
Jesus, however, gives us an illustration:
Luke 21:29-31 – “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”
What Does This Mean?
Just like springtime buds tell us that summer is close, certain world events will remind us that Jesus’ return is near.
⏳ But near doesn’t mean immediate.
Just like in Denver, where one warm day doesn’t mean winter is over, seeing signs doesn’t mean Christ’s return is happening tomorrow.
Beware of Deception
Matthew 24:4 – “Don’t let anyone mislead you.”
Jesus warned that many false prophets would come, trying to deceive even God’s people.
Matthew 24:24 – “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.”
Lesson: Those most obsessed with predicting the end are often most vulnerable to deception.
Instead of predicting, Jesus calls us to prepare.
Fear vs. Faith: How Should We Respond?
Fear Is a Natural Reaction
Many people fear the end times because they worry about:
- Losing their possessions
- Having their dreams interrupted
- Suffering or persecution
But Jesus’ warnings are NOT meant to create fear.
Luke 21:9 – “When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened.”
Jesus Constantly Says, “Do Not Be Afraid”
He reassures us over and over:
- During storms – “Why are you afraid?” (Matthew 8:26)
- Walking on water – “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)
- After the resurrection – “Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 28:10)
Lesson: God’s plan is not destruction but restoration.
How Should We Live While Waiting for Jesus?
- Live Expectantly, Not Idly
- Keep working, serving, and building God’s Kingdom here and now.
- Focus on the Eternal
- What we give to God lasts forever.
- Prepare, Don’t Predict
- Stay spiritually alert but avoid obsessing over dates.
- Embrace Hope Over Fear
- Jesus points to restoration, not destruction.
Final Thought
Instead of fearing the end, what if we looked forward to Christ’s return with joy?
📖 Revelation 22:20 – “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Until then, let’s live ready—not in panic, but in faith and hope.
