Jesus replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”   Luke 21 : 8 - 9

This week’s reading : Luke 21 : 5 - 19

Thought for the week

The Jewish Temple in Jesus’ time was magnificent. Rebuilt by Herod after many years of deterioration, it was on a huge scale with many gateways, walkways, and thick surrounding walls. Yet Jesus says to His disciples when they visit the temple, even this impressive structure will be thrown down one day. 40 years later this was what happened.

In our Gospel reading speaks of wars and unrest, and of earthquakes, famines and diseases. He is speaking of our time, and in fact of all human time. Remembrance today reminds us of how wars recur throughout the centuries. How sadly every generation is caught up in the suffering and trauma of war.

Yet we look to Jesus today more than ever. To His salvation and hope. Jesus speaks of how just as the Temple was destroyed, the temple of His own body would be also on The Cross, yet He would rise from the dead and offer everyone who believes Resurrection life.

As we remember the fallen in war today, and pray for peace, Jesus calls us to look to Him through all our trials, and trust in His saving power and redeeming love. This world one day will end, and Jesus return. He alone is our Rock and Salvation, the source of our certain hope.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Remember, O God, the people of this world, divided into many nations, religions and tongues.

Deliver us from every evil that stands in the way of your saving purpose and fulfill the promise of peace on earth among those with whom you are well pleased.

Help us find a new way, God, to turn from the curse of war and the human sin that causes war; a way from pride that turns its back on you; from unbelief that will not bow to you, away from self-righteousness that will not compromise, from selfishness that glories in the oppression of others, from the lust for property or power that drives humanity to kill, from trusting in the weapons of war and mistrusting the councils of peace, from hearing, believing and speaking lies about other nations and religions, from ground-less suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation, from words and deeds that encourage discord, prejudice and hatred; from everything that prevents the human family from fulfilling your promise of peace.

~ posted on the Main Street Congregational Church website. http://www.main-street-church.org/files/45997849.pdf