November 30th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 21:25-36

The Coming of the Son of Man

 ‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

 Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Exhortation to Watch

 ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

Reflection
So, here I am, like I always am. When spring comes, I come to life. I can't wait for spring to get here. So at the first sign of spring I get busy and show my leaves. It's a gift God gave to me right from the start. It's like I'm the rooster of the tree farm. I get up early in the spring and show all the other various kinds of trees that spring is here!

I always point all of the other trees to the hope of spring and summer. It's a hope of new life to come. It's a beautiful season when life returns in full to all of the trees. Spring is a little like the coming of Jesus. We made it through those horrible times of winter and now God comes to this earth and shines the warmth and Light upon all, that new life comes to them. You have to believe in this new Life, because it comes freely. I didn't do anything to bring this new Light and Warmth to this earth, it just came to me out of love for me.

To all of my human friends out there; listen to Jesus, when you see him coming on the clouds, after the winter time of events he told you about, then look forward in hope. Be alert for this and keep praying. Soon your winter will be over and you will stand in the light of the Son of Man.

Prayer
Lord, may I not fall asleep, but keep alert to the signs that happen all around me each day. For, as I listen to your voice, I seek to sprout the fruit you would have me sprout, just at the moment you choose. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen