End Game

End Game Michael Morse / General CrossFit / Eschatology; Destruction of Jerusalem; Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple; Second Coming; Endurance; Faithfulness; Ready / Luke 21:5-38 Introduction End game is a stage of a chess game. It denotes the close of the game this is where many a tournaments have been won or lost it comes down to planning for the end game, the victor is the one who was prepared for it. One of the most devastating things that occurs when one seeks to become fit or even crossfit - is the wrong idea or plan for the end game. It is because of this that many who have realized their physical goal for being crossfit in one moment turned around and lose it in the next moment. For some their idea about the end game is to get to crossfit - no plan for maintaining it - no plan for what to do in the end game. In spiritual crossfitness - Jesus knows His disciples also need to plan for the end game. This is why in our text this morning He lays out the end game. So that His disciples can be prepared and ready for when it comes. Luke 21:5-7 CSB 5 As some were talking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "These things that you see-the days will come when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down." 7 "Teacher," they asked him, "so when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?" Luke 21:8-9 CSB 8 Then he said, "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Don't follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and rebellions, don't be alarmed. Indeed, it is necessary that these things take place first, but the end won't come right away." Luke 21:10-11 CSB 10 Then he told them, "Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be violent earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. Luke 21:12-14 CSB 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to bear witness. 14 Therefore make up your minds not to prepare your defense ahead of time, Luke 21:15-19 CSB 15 for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will kill some of you. 17 You will be hated by everyone because of my name, 18 but not a hair of your head will be lost. 19 By your endurance, gain your lives. Luke 21:20-21 CSB 20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Those inside the city must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it, Luke 21:22-24 CSB 22 because these are days of vengeance to fulfill all the things that are written. 23 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for there will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will be killed by the sword and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Luke 21:25-26 CSB 25 "Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Luke 21:27-29 CSB 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is near." 29 Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. Luke 21:30-33 CSB 30 As soon as they put out leaves you can see for yourselves and recognize that summer is already near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Luke 21:34-36 CSB 34 "Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly 35 like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:37-38 CSB 37 During the day, he was teaching in the temple, but in the evening he would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives. 38 Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear him in the temple. Know What To Expect Luke 21:5-7 CSB 5 As some were talking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "These things that you see-the days will come when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down." 7 "Teacher," they asked him, "so when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?" First things first we must keep in mind that this message given to the Jews by a Jew about the future of the Jewish nation. There are definite applications for us today that we will see, but the emphasis is on Jerusalem, Jews and the temple. This sermon focuses on the Tribulation period when God will pour out His wrath on the nations of the world. This period will begin after the Lord comes in the air to take His church to heaven and it will climax at the return of Jesus to earth accompanied by His church at which time He will defeat His enemies and establish His kingdom. This portion of scripture is commonly known as the Olivet Discourse - the other Sermon on the Other Mount (Mount of Olives). The Sermon on the Mount was the greatest sermon ever preached the Olivet Discourse is the greatest Prophetic Sermon Ever Preached. Paralleled in Matthew 24-25 and Mark 13. Luke writing with the Gentile reader in mind omitted some of the strong Jewish elements while retaining the essential truths. We read that some - some disciples and some people were talking about the temple and how it was adorned and just magnificent. The temple for Jesus disciples was a tourist thing they were not from Jerusalem - they were Galilean remember. The temple was majestic and phenomenal to behold - a definite wonder to see of the ancient world. Originally built by Solomon and destroyed by Babylon when they conquered Israel and took them into captivity. Rebuilt by Ezra and Zerubbabel and then greatly expanded and improved by Herod the Great. The temple was the center of Jewish life and had now stood for almost a thousand years. So permanent was its place in their eyes that they would swear by the temple. Matthew 23:16 CSB 16 "Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'Whoever takes an oath by the temple, it means nothing. But whoever takes an oath by the gold of the temple is bound by his oath.' Speaking against the temple would be considered blasphemy as well Acts 6:13 CSB 13 They also presented false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the law. Herod the great made the temple 400 yards wide by 500 yards long began rebuilding in 19 BC and finished in 63 AD. Jewish historian Josephus says that the temple was covered on the outside with gold plates and were so brilliant to look when the sun shone on them it would be blinding to see. Where there was no gold there was a pure white marble that looked like snow. For Jews of that day the temple had become somewhat of an idol, slowly beginning to mean more to the people than God Himself. Imagine the shock and horror when Jesus again foretold of the temple's destruction. He says these things as great as they are and as long as they have been here will not remain. In fact Jesus says that not one stone shall be left on another that will not be thrown down. The disciples asked Jesus when will these things happen? What will be the sign these things are about to take place? Now Jews regarded time as being in two ages there is the present age it was bad, evil and incapable of being cured fit only for destruction and there is the age to come which was the golden age of God and Jewish supremacy. In between these two is whats known as the Day of the Lord - a terrible time of cosmic upheaval and destruction - giving way to the new age. Jesus goes into detail for them to know what to expect and we can know what to expect also if we would read and listen to what Jesus says here. Keep Your Cool Luke 21:8-9 CSB 8 Then he said, "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Don't follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and rebellions, don't be alarmed. Indeed, it is necessary that these things take place first, but the end won't come right away." Luke 21:10-11 CSB 10 Then he told them, "Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be violent earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. Luke 21:12-14 CSB 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to bear witness. 14 Therefore make up your minds not to prepare your defense ahead of time, Luke 21:15-19 CSB 15 for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will kill some of you. 17 You will be hated by everyone because of my name, 18 but not a hair of your head will be lost. 19 By your endurance, gain your lives. Luke 21:20-22 CSB 20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Those inside the city must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it, 22 because these are days of vengeance to fulfill all the things that are written. Luke 21:23-24 CSB 23 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for there will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will be killed by the sword and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Jesus then goes into detail describing what things will be like during this time - this can be confusing at first glance but remember verses 8-12 works backwards from the end. Verse 12 then says before all this other things will occur. Jesus moves forward again toward the description of Jerusalem's fall and the persecution to accompany it. Don't be deceived Watch out that you arent deceived by any coming saying I am - literally the name of God - Ego Ami. There will be many of them Jesus warns and they will come also saying that the time is near. Don't Follow Them Jim Jones, David Koresh, Harold Camping etc. We know what happened to their followers. In Jesus time was a man named Dositheos the Samaritan. Jesus says those who come in my name 9the name of God as God) - dont follow them - you will be misled and lost. Don't Be Alarmed verse 9 Wars and rebellions will abound dont be alarmed. It is necessary that these things take place first. The end wont come right away - in fact Matthew compares these signs to that of birthing pains. Its not when you see them - it is when they come with more frequency and intensity. Nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom. Violent earthquakes, famines and plagues and terrifying sights and great signs from heaven - these will precede the coming of Jesus to bring the kingdom. In verse 12 we can find our place in the timeline again when Jesus says - but before all these things. All these things speak of the tribulation period that precedes the coming kingdom. Jesus even before all that - they will lay their hands on you (not like Paul did with Timothy) and persecute you. You will handed over to synagogues and prisons - the religious leaders as well as the state will be heading the persecution - brought before kings and governors. No other reason than for Jesus' name. New verse to memorize and underline Luke 21:17 CSB 17 You will be hated by everyone because of my name, Persecution of believers will be severe and commonplace. This has fulfillment now and in the Tribulation period. Betrayed by family, friends. Don't Stop Enduring Dont give up - understand that even this God is using for His glory that those persecuted might have opportunity to witness. Dont prepare a defense trust the Lord to speak through you in perfect word. By your endurance you will gain your lives. Dont stop enduring by obeying also - verse 20 talks about the destruction and siege of Jerusalem. The warning speaks of when Jerusalem is being surrounded and the context is present tense - while it is being surrounded - flee - once it is surrounded it is too late. In 70 AD Titus laid siege to Jerusalem and at that sight one might think that escape would be impossible - but understand God's word never fails. The Roman General withdrew his troops for a season giving those who believed Jesus and obeyed His word time to escape and flee to safety. Josephus states that 1,100,000 Jews perished in the destruction of Jerusalem and 97,000 were taken captive - but interestingly no Christians perished in the fall Jerusalem was trampled and again the Gentiles trampled Jerusalem - and this will happen until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. The NT distinguishes between the riches of the Gentiles, the fullness of the Gentiles, and the times of the Gentiles. 1. The riches of the Gentiles (Rom. 11:12) refers to the place of privilege which the Gentiles enjoy at the present time while Israel is temporarily set aside by God. 2. The fullness of the Gentiles (Rom. 11:25) is the time of the Rapture, when Christ's Gentile bride will be completed and taken from the earth and when God will resume His dealings with Israel. 3. The times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24) really began with the Babylonian captivity, 521 B.C., and will extend to the time when Gentile nations will no longer assert control over the city of Jerusalem When the times of the Gentiles are over - God's dealings with Israel begin again. The last 7 years of Daniel 9 begins. Emperor Julian the Apostate (A.D. 331-363) sought to discredit Christianity by disproving this prophecy of the Lord. He therefore encouraged the Jews to rebuild the temple. They went to the work eagerly, even using silver shovels in their extravagance, and carrying the dirt in purple veils. But while they were working, they were interrupted by an earthquake and by balls of fire coming from the ground. They had to abandon the project. The Israelis took possession of Jerusalem in 1968, but the holy mount is still Arab property, under Arab rule. As far as God is concerned, the most important piece of real estate in Jerusalem-and prophetically speaking, the most important in the world-is still trampled by Gentiles Stay Ready Luke 21:25-26 CSB 25 "Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Luke 21:27-29 CSB 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is near." 29 Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. Luke 21:30-33 CSB 30 As soon as they put out leaves you can see for yourselves and recognize that summer is already near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Luke 21:34-36 CSB 34 "Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly 35 like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:37-38 CSB 37 During the day, he was teaching in the temple, but in the evening he would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives. 38 Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear him in the temple. Thus far in His message, our Lord has told the disciples when the temple would be destroyed and what signs would point to the end of the age. Now He tells them about His own coming at the end of the Tribulation period. The final stage in God's plan begins with the Return of Jesus as King. The signs that precede the Coming will be such that nations will anguish and people will faint from fear. They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud Daniel 7:13-14 CSB 13 I continued watching in the night visions, and suddenly one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. 14 He was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will not be destroyed. When these things occur - look up for your redemption is near! There has been much useless argument and speculation about the second coming. The important thing to see here is that History is all going somewhere. It isnt merely repeating itself as the Stoics believed. The Christian views history as having an end game - Jesus Christ as Lord of all. Jesus warns His disciples to be ready for the end game. Christ's appearing will be sudden and glorious and with great authority and power. There are those who ignore or ridicule the doctrine of the Return of Christ - I mean its almost 2000 years. 2 Peter 3:3-4 CSB 3 Above all, be aware of this: Scoffers will come in the last days scoffing and following their own evil desires, 4 saying, "Where is his 'coming' that he promised? Ever since our ancestors fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation." 2 Peter 3:8-9 CSB 8 Dear friends, don't overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:10-11 CSB 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. 11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness Be Watching Using the fig tree (representative of Israel) and all the trees - when the leaves come out summer is already near. In the same way these signs mean the kingdom of God is near. Perhaps 1948 when Israel was reestablished maybe a leaf was sprouting? This generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place i. The generation Jesus was talking to? ii. The people of the time with the signs iii. Jewish race? The Greek word translated this generation can also be "race". I believe this is what Jesus meant as He was assuring His disciples that in spite of all the difficulty and tribulation Israel would endure and the nation would be protected by God and not destroyed The promise then is Heaven and Earth will pass away but my words will never pass away. Be On Guard Do not let your minds become dulled from carousing, drunkeness and worries. Keep the end game in mind or you will be distracted and caught off guard and the day will come unexpectedly like a trap and a snare. Be Alert/Awake All times praying for strength to escape and to stand before the Son of Man. Conclusion We today do not know when our Lord will return, and it behooves us to be faithful and to be ready. "I'm not looking for signs," said the late Vance Havner; "I'm listening for a sound." The sound of the trumpet! The shout of the archangel! "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev. 22:20 It seems to me there are three ways we can live in this world of impermanence. One is to be fearful, to go seeking for every sign and listening to every false Messiah. Jesus tells us here not to be led astray. When the time comes, it will be obvious to all of us. Second, we can adopt a "what the heck" attitude. We can try to escape the cares of the world in hedonism. Unfortunately, none of us can avoid those feelings of depression and discouragement, loneliness and betrayal. The tendency is to say, "Who cares?" and to sneak off into pleasure-seeking and self-fulfillment. It's easy to fall victim to the "what the heck" attitude. Jesus tells us instead to "prepare for the end game - be ready" He is asking us to watch and pray, secure in our insecurities. Your friends may betray you, your spouse may leave you, your children may disappoint you, but, he says, "Not a hair of your head shall be lost" (v. 18). Our only permanent possession is our soul. Endure. Luke 21 deserves our close attention. It reminds us signs are there to cause us to prepare and be ready for the end game. But its emphasis is not on setting a date and getting in the right place. The biblical emphasis of its apocalyptic, end-time materials is almost always ethical. Know what to expect, keep your cool and be ready. Be ready to stand before the Son of Man as he brings the last judgment. Are you ready? Only those who are ready stand without fear - you can be ready today and right now. Communion 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 CSB 23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, "This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 CSB 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Until then we watch and stay ready for when He comes He will take us with Him and we will all fly away. Page . Exported from Logos Bible Software, 12:08 PM May 1, 2021.