The coming of the Son of Man

25 “And t there will be signs in sun and moon u and stars, and on the earth v distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For w the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see x the Son of Man coming in a cloud y with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and z raise your heads, because a your redemption is drawing near.”

...

34 “But watch yourselves f lest g your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness andh cares of this life, and i that day come upon you suddenly j like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But k stay awake at all times, l praying that you maym have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and n to stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:25-28,34-36 (Taken from the ESV Online Study Bible)

In Luke 21, Jesus predicts the signs of the end of the times and his return. Verses 25-28 paint a glorious, yet terrifying, and magnificent picture of Jesus' second coming. Jesus tells us to watch for his coming and to be prepared: "Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Will be able to face Christ standing tall? Look at His exhortation to us: "But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Jesus goes on to warn us in verses 34-36, to beware the seductions and anxieties of our age. Even in the absence of sinful temptation, we must not be distracted by "cares of this life". What may these be? Our jobs, our studies, our relationships? What are the thoughts and affairs that seize our attention, time and energy away from God? Let us pray daily for the divine grace and strength to stay faithful, that we may be blameless and confident on the day we meet Him.