Musings from the Pastor’s Desk

Musings from the Pastor’s Desk

November 16, 2025

Faith in a World on Fire

Sunday’s gospel reading from Luke 21 exemplifies Apocalyptic literature. It’s a biblical style that uses vivid imagery, cosmic symbols, and prophetic visions to reveal God’s ultimate purpose for history. The term “apocalypse” means revelation—an unveiling of divine truth, often shown through dramatic scenes of upheaval and renewal.

Books like Daniel, Revelation, and parts of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and the Gospels use apocalyptic language to interpret current suffering in light of God’s promised future. Rather than predicting exact events, apocalyptic literature helps believers look beyond chaos to the reassurance of God’s reign. These writings emerged during times of persecution or crisis to offer hope: even when empires rise and fall, God remains in control and will ultimately bring justice.

Luke 21:5–19 depicts Jesus speaking in apocalyptic language, warning that the Temple will be destroyed, nations will go to war, and believers will face persecution. These words reflect both the imminent destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE and the ongoing struggles of believers across all eras. However, the core message of the passage is not fear—it is endurance and trust. Jesus instructs His followers not to be afraid because God’s presence remains with them through every trial. His words comfort the early church as they learned to stay faithful during times of uncertainty, trusting that God’s presence endured even as empires and temples fell.

Apocalyptic teaching, then, is meant not to frighten but to inspire courage. It assures us that, despite turbulent times, history is moving toward God’s redemption. For Christians today, Luke 21 reminds us that although “beautiful and terrible things” may happen, our hope remains secure in the One who controls the future. Despite upcoming suffering, Jesus offers reassurance. He promises to give them “a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” He concludes by stating that “not a hair of your head will perish,” and that by holding on through endurance, they will “gain their lives.”

In 2025, we find ourselves in a time of upheaval—political division, climate anxiety, and wars that echo across continents. Like those before us, we may wonder when things will settle down. Billy Joel’s song, We Didn’t Start the Fire, reminds us that the fire has been burning as long as the world keeps turning.

We didn’t start the fire

It was always burning, since the world’s been turning

We didn’t start the fire

No, we didn’t light it, but we tried to fight it

Even though the fires of history keep burning, we won’t be consumed as long as we trust God’s promises.

I love this quote from Frederick Buechner:

“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.”

Today, despite our suffering, we are encouraged to stay faithful because trusting in Jesus is the way to life. Our trust will conquer our fear.

Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:30 AM, or watch live on Facebook at Hopeclinton.

All are welcome!

Peace+

Pastor Eric

Sources

Bible Gateway

Anderson University: Exploring Apocalyptic Literature