The Time of Tribulation will not last forever: Thursday 34th Week

Breakfast With the Word Thursday 34th Week Ordinary Time of the Year B

 

 

Luke 21:20-28

 

 

 

The time of tribulation is a time of severe trials, suffering and distress. It is a time of great affliction which arises from oppression and persecution.

 

 

In today’s gospel, Jesus continues to talk about the time of great tribulation which will befall Jerusalem.

 

At this time, there will be grievous trouble and severe suffering. But Jesus also assures His hearers that this time of great trouble will also be for a moment.

 

 

Therefore, are you in a situation where you think God has abandoned you? Is there any form of suffering and trouble that have continually besieged you and you believe there is no more hope again in your life?

 

Sometimes this type of trouble has made you lose hope in life and even lose faith in God. Always know that life comes in phases.

 

The times of great troubles also come and go. Nothing in life also lasts forever. One day everything will surely be over.

 

 

 

 

Historical Analysis

 

In A.D. 70, Jesus’ prediction of the time of great tribulation came to fulfillment. He warned them that whenever they see a group of armies surrounding Jerusalem, then it is a sign that the time desolation is near.

 

 

In A.D 70 when the Roman armies surrounded the city, many took this warning for granted, some who are yet to understand the message of Jesus thought it is the time for Jesus’ glorious return to save them from the hands of their adversaries.

 

But Christians who knew what was said ran across the River Jordan to Pella. History records that 1.1 million Jews were killed and up to 97000 were taken captive. The destruction was highly devastating.

 

 

 

This happened because they ignored the warnings of God’s servants. Despite how heavy the time of tribulation was, there was a time it still came to an end.

 

Although many Jews went into exile. But after thousands of years of exile, a Jewish state was miraculously established in Israel again in 1948. Such is life. After the rain comes sunshine.

 

 

The End is Always Hard.

 

Sometimes it is at the point of liberation, that you encounter the hardest affliction. The end is always hard.

 

 

Do we remember that the event before the resurrection is suffering, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

 

Also in the gospel today, Jesus says that whenever you see these things happen, stand strong and erect, keep your heads high, because it is a sign that the time of liberation is at hand.

 

Therefore, If you are passing through any form of difficulty in life. Keep your head high and focus. The Igbo adage says Mgbe o na ara ahu ka o na ebi ( the end is always at the time when it becomes so hard) Such is life.

 

 

The time of tribulation is a time we go through the hardest distress. It is a time we may even think of ending our lives but despite that, it is also a time to remain resolute.

 

 

This is the time we have to pray the hardest and work the hardest. It may still be a sign that the circumstance is coming to an end.

 

 

The end of life, pregnancy, academics, even relationships etc is always hard and such is the end of every situation we face in life.

 

 

 

Do not give up on God, rather focus on God for more strength to pass through these trying experiences in life.

 

 

Never allow weakness when God has already prepared your victory. Do not be tempted to lose hope when you are already at the end of the difficult race.

 

This is a time your faith is put to the test. At this time many friends may abandon you. Sometimes they will say many things about you that may make you live in regrets but say no to any negative voice.

 

 

Remember that the Jews ignored God’s warnings. Because of that, they plunged themselves in danger.

 

Therefore, Do not ignore God at this time, rather be close to Him, intensify your prayers, feed your soul with His words.

 

 

Use the inspiration you may gather from this divine encounter and work your way out. Always know that everything has an expiring date.

 

 

 

May God bless you dearest and give us the strength to remain strong in the midst of every affliction. Amen