There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:25-28
“But, first, remember, remember, remember the signs. Say them to yourself when you wake in the morning and when you lie down at night, and when you wake in the middle of the night. And whatever strange things may happen to you, let nothing turn your mind from following the signs. And secondly, I give you a warning. Here on the mountain I have spoken to you clearly: I will not often do so down in Narnia. Here on the mountain, the air is clear and your mind is clear; as you drop down into Narnia, the air will thicken. Take great care that it does not confuse your mind. And the signs which you have learned here will not look at all as you expect them to look, when you meet them there. That is why it is so important to know them by heart and pay no attention to appearances. Remember the signs and believe the signs. Nothing else matters.”
C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair (Samizdat, 2017) 13-14.
Aslan’s words to Jill in the Silver Chair ring true for us in the times in which we live, which seem like the days Jesus described in today’s Scripture.
Geneous people are attentive, undistracted, and ready. They are attentive to needs around them, focused, and ready to respond in a way that glorifies God.
To remember the signs is to not allow the chaos to shake us. Because we believe, the signs serve instead to strengthen our resolve to live for something bigger.
The signs remind us to maintain a generous posture. So, as God supplies, we give. They also inspire us to hide God’s Word in our heart to build our confidence and courage.
Remember the signs and believe. Nothing else matters.