Jesus was answering two questions: when will the Temple in Jerusalem be ruined, and what are the signs for the second coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). The Bible teaches that this world does not revolve around human beings, or their social, business, economic or political ambitions. Neither is it caught up in a series of random autonomous processes. The world and all the planetary systems were intentionally created through Christ, and continually sustained by Him, to serve His purpose (Hebrews 1:2-3). However, all of creation has been corrupted through the rebellion of mankind (Romans 8:20-22). One day, it will be decommissioned by the Lord when He returns (2 Peter 3:10-12) … awaiting a new heaven and earth which will be the home of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13).

In today's verse Jesus quoted from Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 13:10; Isaiah 34:4). When He moves to judge the world, it is not only people who will be affected, the righteous and unrighteous; it will affect all of God’s creation. It is a dark picture to show to Israel. God’s people had systematically rejected the Lord of Glory; they had turned their backs on the Light of the World … so, why should the heavenly bodies shine? The cosmos is not simply evidence of the greatness of God, but a majestic backdrop to the drama of God's relationship with human beings through Jesus Christ, the Light of the World (John 8:12). When He is rejected - the lights go out.

There is a lot of talk nowadays about saving the planet; and it is good that we should be wise stewards of what God has given to us (Genesis 2:15). But this world and the rest of the universe is not heaven. It is corrupted like we are, and it will only find its fulfilment when Jesus returns and 'the children of God are revealed' (Romans 8:19-21). Until then, there will be all kinds of disturbances in our world and universe. Some may bring earthquakes and floods in the disturbed natural world just as wars are manifestations of disturbed humanity (Matthew 24:6-8).

It is easy to isolate ourselves in our little micro-worlds where we pretend to be kings and queens. But that is not reality. We live in a God-created, but sin-spoiled, cosmic environment. Despite what some people think, the planets can never control or predict our destiny. The very future of the cosmos is far more limited and fragile than most would like to think. It is bound up with God's intention to place His redeemed people in a perfect environment with no disturbance of any kind. But until then, there will be all kinds of distress. As we endure the local, global and cosmic consequences of human sin, we should learn to humble ourselves under His mighty hand, and repent while there is time (Luke 13:1-5).