The Pharisees were interested in the Messiah’s kingdom but it differed from their expectations as explained in Luke 17:20-37. The Pharisees thought the Messiah’s kingdom would be in the form of government authority or military power but Jesus explains that the kingdom of God is within you (v. 21).

Jesus explains that the situation before His final return will be filled with religious compromise and moral decline. We see the same negatives in our world today but that doesn’t mean His return will be tomorrow. We simply do not know when He will return.

During the time of Noah (See Gen. 6:11-22) there was corruption and violence. People were just living out their lives with no concern for a flood. During the time of Lot (See Gen. 19:12-26) people were eating, drinking, buying and selling, planting and building (Luke 17:28). Those who Lot tried to warn thought he was joking right before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

When Lot’s wife looked back on the cities upon their escape, she became a pillar of salt. We are to measure the purposes and consequence of our life with this verse: Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it (Luke 17:33).

Never go back to the way it used to be; the time before accepting Christ. Instead, be optimistic about His return. This day with you God, we know that You have made more stars than we can count and You can bless us with joys more numerous than the stars. We are thankful that Your Spirit lives deep in our heart Lord! Amen.

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