What Jesus Did! 'Not Business as Usual' — Luke 17:28-30

Saturday, October 14, 2023

[Concerning conditions at his return, Jesus continued,] "And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business — eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building — until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. Yes, it will be 'business as usual' right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed."
— Luke 17:28-30 NLT

Key Thought

Just as in the previous verses, [1] Jesus also warned that people will not be paying attention when he comes. They will have settled into their ungodly lifestyles and will be totally surprised when he returns. For those not ready, it will be a time of destruction. However, it will be a time of celebration for those of us who are joyously anticipating his return. Yet even for us, the potential of Jesus' coming today or any day should help us sharpen our focus and live with a special spiritual intensity. How would your life be lived today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows which follow if you lived each day as if Jesus were returning that day? That's how Jesus wants us to live each day.

[1] Luke 17:26-27.

Today's Prayer

Holy Father, God Almighty who controls the day of the Lord's return, help me live with renewed intensity knowing that Jesus' return could happen at any time, even today. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • James 5:7-9
  • Philippians 4:4-5
  • 1 Peter 1:13-16

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 17:28-30 NLT — "And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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