Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Shaken down, pressed together Sunday, November 29, 2009 Luke 21:25-27 Jesus said to his disciples, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Visiting the temple in Jerusalem Jesus praised a woman contributing a handful of change to the treasury, because it was so much of what she had. His disciples were awestruck by the temple's beauty, huge stones carefully put together to last forever. Jesus focused on the woman and her heart of gold. She would inherit the kingdom of heaven. As for the glory of the world ... well, he predicted the temple's destruction. Chaos would replace the civilized politically correct Roman rule in Israel. Jesus didn't plot to kill politicians or soldiers. He was not a Zealot, but his vision was every bit as apocalyptic and violent. When God does the shaking, though, the shaking brings peace. Peace not as the world gives. Peace that surpasses understanding. Peace that extends to shepherds and wise men, to servants and kings, to wolves and lambs. Aslan* is not safe, but he is good. Jesus knows that about God. There is no way around the danger. And there is no way to avoid God's love. O Lord I lift up my soul to you. Show me your ways and your paths, please guide me in your truth. Teach me what you will, for you are God my savior. I will wait all the day for you. I want to love nothing more. (Psalm 25) * C.S. Lewis' lion (Chronicles of Narnia) "; Add      Edit    Delete