But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions… (Luke 21:9 KJV)
Sometimes when children are put to bed they furtively whisper, laugh and giggle instead of going to sleep. And parents may confront them with “What’s all that commotion in there?” But our use of the word in that way is a mere shadow of it’s actual meaning.
Merriam-Webster gives the primary definition of commotion as “a condition of civil unrest or insurrection.” Luke could not have picked a better word to describe our current events as he relates what Jesus had to say about the approach of the end times. More often we remember Mark and Matthew’s rendition of “wars and rumors of wars.” But Luke has hit upon something that is much closer to home.
The modern translations give a broader sense of what is in mind: revolts, uprisings, disturbances, tumults. One scholar calls it simply disorder, as opposed to peace, which is the order of God.
There is no need to list specific events as examples of this commotion. The riots, demonstrations, confusion, deception, corruption, violence and even mass killings of today will give way to other unthinkable means of disorder tomorrow.
As horrible as these things may be and might become, Jesus says “be not terrified.” They are merely signposts of what lies over the horizon. The end will not come until later. There is still time for the Lord to complete his purposes; still time for him to comfort, strengthen and save all who come to him.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 ESV
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 ESV