When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:28
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
What will happen when the world comes to an end? That's been a favorite subject of movies and books lately. Some people say a great war will destroy the earth. Others are convinced global pollution or some cosmic collision with a meteor will be its demise.
While we do not know when or how the world as we know it will end, the Bible is clear that it will come to an end. The disciples asked Jesus to explain what signs they should look for. Many of them have already happened and continue to happen -- things like wars, earthquakes, changes in the sun and moon. But, more than warning us, Jesus gives us consolation and shelter in the midst of this shaken life. He speaks of the end of the world, not to cause fear but to show us that no matter what situation in which we find ourselves, He is always with us and will never leave us.
The joy we have in knowing we are safe comes from what Christ has already done. He paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross and rising from death so that our sins will be forgiven and we will have eternal life in heaven.
Let us lift up our heads and rejoice when the catastrophes of this world bring fear for our redemption is drawing near!
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the love and comfort You have sent us in Your Son, Jesus. Help us to lay all our fears on Him. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Lindolfo Osvino Zuse, vice-president and secretary of Emanuel Parish congregation, wrote this devotion. With offices in Asuncion since 2000, Lutheran Hour Ministries -- known locally as Cristo Para Todas las Naciones ("Christ for all Nations" or CPTLN) -- conducts Gospel outreach to the citizens of Paraguay through Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), Equipping The Saints (ETS) and Project JOEL.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 89, 92 Psalm 91 Philippians 3
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