The Phil Files

So frequently, we hear the descriptive phrase “crime of opportunity” used to talk about a robbery or act of violence as if it almost happened by sheer luck or fate. Most “crimes of opportunity,” however, are carefully arranged situations where the criminals have planned what they are going to do, they are just waiting for the right person and situation to come along to do it.

Since Jesus faced down Satan in the wilderness in the time of temptation (Luke 4:1-12), the evil one has been “lying in the weeds” waiting for his great opportunity to assault the Master (Luke 4:13). All the talk of Satan, darkness, betrayal, temptation, repentance, and faithfulness in this chapter let’s us know this is the moment the evil one has waiting to happen. Judas has now become the devil’s co-conspirator in waiting and arranging for this moment to come:

//Inspiration: Luke 22:3a, 6
Then Satan entered in to Judas Iscariot … So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they [the religious leaders] could arrest him [Jesus] when the crowds weren’t around.

//Incarnation:
I must realize that evil and the powerful one behind evil are real, determined, cunning, and deadly. Paul warns early believers of this truth (Ephesians 6:10-12. I ignore this truth at my own peril. Satan lies in wait for the perfect moment to strike and bring me down. I must hear the message of this chapter and always be ready to resist him and also be ready to confess and return if I fall!

//Invitation:
O LORD God, strengthen me to withstand the inopportune attacks of Satan in my moments of weakness and vulnerability. Give me courage to admit my sins and failures of faithfulness. But, dear Father, bring the right people into my life that will keep on the path of your grace and power. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

The Christian community, at least in my estimation, wastes too much energy on trying to determine the “time” of Jesus’ return and not near enough effort on two more crucial issues: 1) being prepared for the Lord’s return at any time, as well as, 2) seeing to it that more people are expecting Jesus’ return with excitement and anticipation. While interpreters argue the exact nuance of each major passage of Luke 21, our reading for today, one passage stands out with clarity to my heart!

//Inspiration: Luke 21:27
At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

//Incarnation:
I must never waver in my commitment to reach more folks with Jesus’ grace and call to the Kingdom so they are ready for His return. In addition, my passion and excitement for His return must be shared with believers so they don’t fear this awesome day, but long to celebrate the glory of His presence. Every eye will see Him and acknowledge Jesus as Lord and bow their knee to honor God’s Son. But many will do it for the first time on that day, not out of joy, but out of fear, sorrow, and realization of His identity for the very first time. I want more to wait in joyous expectation knowing that the Lord’s return means the reunion of the people of God and the day of our home-going to be with the Father forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; 1 John 3:1-3; Revelation 1:7).

//Invitation:
O Father, use me to help others discover the glorious day that awaits when Jesus comes to bring in glory those who belong to You. In Jesus’ name, I await this day and ask you to send Him soon! Amen.