Mr. Hunt was my Biology teacher in Grade 12. One day while our heads were down note taking about the adrenal gland, guess what he did? He slammed a textbook onto his desk. Everyone jumped. A few girls screamed. We all had adrenaline shooting through our bloodstreams in a flight or fight response.
God created us so that when shocked – heart rates spike, nostrils flare, while oxygen and chemical energy flows to either fly (run away) or fight against a threat. Yes, Mr. Hunt demonstrated the ideal workings of the adrenal gland, but he also gave me an excellent example of shock value.
Long before Mr. Hunt took advantage of it, Jesus also used shock value. The disciples expressed wonder in walking about the magnificence of the temple. This evoked a teaching moment. Jesus said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6) I wouldn’t be surprised if the disciples stopped short in their tracks. Mouths gaping. Eyes wide. Jesus may have repeated himself. “Yes, not one stone on another.”
The disciples were in awe of the temple. Yet, underlying their appreciation was a sense of pride as a chosen people. And, digging deeper, the temple was where one would find, or at least expect, the presence of God. How could such a place, which embodied the presence of God, become a place of ruin?
Jesus shocked the disciples to reroute their understanding. The presence of God does not abide in a stone temple. The presence of God abides in Him. St. John recorded this in his Gospel: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
As His word is timeless, this is where we draw a distinction between Jesus’ prophetic words regarding the Signs of the Times and the Signs of the Age.
What are the signs of the times? In their soon-to-be future, believers in Him will face persecution and trials before Roman and religious authorities. This will all conclude with the desolation of Jerusalem when armies lay siege to the city.
What are the signs of the age? This encompasses all the effects of fallen humankind. Wars and rumors of wars. Earthquakes. Pestilences. Natural disasters. Disturbances in the heavens. All of which, remind us that the reign of God is not yet here in its entirety.
What are the signs of OUR times? I’ll let you fill in that blank. In the meantime is our ascended God and King sitting back and saying: “Wow! Didn’t see that coming. Had no idea that was going to take place.” If God wasn’t directly involved, He certainly allowed these things to happen.
Why? Shock value. God stirs us out of a rut and shakes us from our complacency. And yes, this will cause us to feel uneasy and unsettled. He humbles us to break us from our security in what was established or predictable.
Should we be shocked? Jesus did say, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.” (John 12:26) So, if Jesus faced trouble and persecution, we should not be surprised if we face the same. But Jesus did promise: “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)
By His active obedience, and your faith in His sacrifice, Jesus not only chooses to dwell among you, but within you. As proclaimed by St. Paul, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) Notice the transference that took place: first, God is seen as dwelling in a stone temple, next the presence of God is incarnate in the Son of God, only to finally rest in you. The Holy Spirit displays God’s fiery presence in your word or deed.
Yes, we may be shocked with what may unfold in this world. But, by the grace of God and the Spirit of Christ, we live with change, risk, and trust solely in God’s help and direction. We will look for Him in the midst of suffering, until He returns in great power and glory. Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus. •
— By Pastor Neil Stern,
Grace Lutheran Church, Edmonton AB