3M Reflection & Hymn - Our Hope and Our Joy (Luke 21: 20-28)

Our Hope and Our Joy - Luke 21: 20-28 C Wk 34 Thursday 0:00 Begin 2:45 Hymn You might like this prayer. It is a little different. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hbo5su... I don't do this for donations at all, but if you would like to make a donation to our Delany Foundation which funds Patricians missions and schools in Ghana, Papua New Guinea, and Kenya: www.delanyfoundation.org.au Thank you if you can. A reflection on the Gospel of St Luke 21: 20-28 – Our Hope and Our Joy This Scripture passage brings us one of Jesus’ most sobering yet hope-filled teachings. He speaks of upheaval, distress, and the shaking of all that seems secure. The disciples are warned that Jerusalem will face siege and downfall, and that nations will tremble before signs in the heavens. Yet through all these images, Jesus is not forecasting despair; He is revealing the deeper truth that God’s kingdom is not threatened by turmoil. Even in the darkest hour, His promise stands: “Your redemption is drawing near.” This passage teaches us to discern the difference between fear and faith. Fear sees only collapse; faith sees God at work even in the brokenness of the world. Fear tightens the heart; faith looks up. Jesus calls His disciples—and us—to lift our heads, not because the storm is small, but because He is greater. Redemption is not the avoidance of suffering, but God’s faithful presence within it. We also learn humility before the unfolding of history. The world groans; nations struggle; creation itself cries out. Yet Jesus reminds us that these are not signs of God abandoning us, but signs that God is bringing His plan to fullness. The upheavals of life become invitations to trust, to persevere, and to anchor our hope in the One who reigns above all. In personal trials, and in the wider anxieties of our age, this passage becomes a lantern. It teaches us to stand firm, to keep watch, and to remain steadfast in love. When everything seems uncertain, Christ urges us to look beyond the horizon of fear. Our Redeemer is near, walking with us, guiding us, and promising that His light will outshine every shadow. In this assurance, we lift our heads with courage and hope. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, in times of turmoil and uncertainty, keep our hearts fixed on Your promise. When signs unsettle us and fears rise within, strengthen us with the hope that our redemption is near. Teach us to stand firm, to trust Your guiding hand, and to lift our eyes toward Your light. Calm our anxieties, deepen our faith, and help us to discern Your presence in every trial. May Your steadfast love be our refuge, Your word our foundation, and Your coming our joyful expectation. Stay with us, O Lord, and lead us safely through every storm to the peace of Your kingdom. Amen. Hymn: Our Hope and Our Joy Verse 1 When nations shake and fears arise, And darkness veils the skies, Your steadfast promise calls our hearts To hope that never dies. Chorus Lift up your heads, the Lord is near! Stand firm in faith, cast off all fear. The Son of Man will rise in might— Our hope, our joy, our saving Light. Verse 2 Though signs distress the earth below And trembling fills the land, We lift our eyes to meet Your dawn, Held safely in Your hand. Chorus Lift up your heads, the Lord is near! Stand firm in faith, cast off all fear. The Son of Man will rise in might— Our hope, our joy, our saving Light. Verse 3 When storms assail and shadows fall And weary spirits bend, Your voice proclaims a brighter day— Redemption draws again. Chorus Lift up your heads, the Lord is near! Stand firm in faith, cast off all fear. The Son of Man will rise in might— Our hope, our joy, our saving Light. Bridge Though heavens shake and mountains flee, Your kingdom stands eternally; In You we rest, in You we cry: “O Lord of hope, draw ever nigh!” Verse 4 So keep us faithful, keep us strong, Through trial, grief, and night; For You will come in glory, Lord, With mercy crowned in light. Chorus Lift up your heads, the Lord is near! Stand firm in faith, cast off all fear. The Son of Man will rise in might— Our hope, our joy, our saving Light. Our hope, our joy, our saving Light.