Luke 21:5-38 - Jesus speaking to His early followers and us about end times. While this can strike fear in the hearts of many; I think the key verses within this passage are verses 13-15: "It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute." That even in the midst of the chaos and confusion of the end; Jesus calls us to continue to be bold in our witness for Him.
Yes, we will be betrayed. Yes, we will be ridiculed. Yes, we will be hated. But even then (verse 18) "Yet not a hair of your head will perish". Friends, while we do not the time or day of His return; I would encourage you to look around. These things are happening more so now than ever before; especially brother and family turned against one another. No, we do not know; but I do know that we are closer today than we were yesterday and we will be yet closer tomorrow.
I believe today is the day that we need to; "make up our minds" -- do we follow Christ or do we follow the world?
I would like also to make a small observation. Verse 20: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near." I believe this really became a prevailing thing when Israel became a nation in 1948. Jesus then says in verse 32; “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place." Speaking of course about His second coming. What is a generation? Some say 80 yrs, some say 120 yrs -- my point is this; if 1948 is key then we are very close to that day. Think about it and make up your mind. "Keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
God bless you as you seek God's wisdom in this.