Dismay, Perplexity, Fear & Hope!

  The forces of nature – natural disasters over which people have no control – are frightening.
  Hurricanes, typhoons, tornados, earthquakes, tsunami’s, fire, floods, ice, snow, winds; all are impossible for people to control.  People have learned how to use the wind (windmills to draw water, to generate electricity) and the sun (solar panels to use as a power source).  But harnessing what God has created and being at the mercy of horrific weather are two different things.
  Jesus has warned us that even the heavens will be affected, no matter what people can or cannot do.  God the Creator knows what is coming.  God is greater than all the powers of creation.  What Jesus has warned us of – will happen.  No doubt about it.

  What did Jesus say that will cause men, women and children to have dismay, be perplexed and experience fear because of the apprehension of what is coming?
(NASB) Luke 21:25-26 “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,
26 men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

  How did Jesus give reassurance to His followers then and now?
(NASB) Luke 21:27 “Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory.”
  It is the power of Jesus, it is His great glory on which His followers are to fix their thoughts, their motives and their lives.  He is coming again! 

  What did Jesus say to encourage and give hope to His followers then and today?
(NASB) Luke 21:28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
  Our redemption is coming!  The fruition of the sacrifice Jesus gave on the cross and His resurrection from the dead will be fully realized when He comes on the clouds of heaven for all the world to see!

  Followers of Christ ~ our Redeemer is bringing His redemption with Him.  No matter your circumstances, no matter the coming horrific events that will occur in nature, we have a victorious Savior – Jesus the Christ, the Anointed One of God!

  Christ Jesus is our hope! 
(NIV) Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  12It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
(underlining added)