We’re still on the topic of warnings, this time from what has been an enigmatic verse for me…

You’ll be glad you read this blog because I’m going to offer an explanation of a verse I’ve wondered about for years (but not enough to really find an answer). Here’s the setup. Jesus is talking about his return, his “coming,” in Luke 17. He mentions Noah and the flood and Lot at Sodom. Then:

It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, the one who is on the housetop and whose goods are in the house must not go down to take them out, and likewise the one who is in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. There will be two women grinding grain at the same place; one will be taken and the other will be left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other will be left.” And answering they said to Him, “Where, Lord?” And He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will be gathered.” (Luke 17.30 – 37, LSB)

Observations:

• Jesus is coming…in judgment, compare the flood in Noah’s day and judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah in Lot’s day. “It will be just the same…”
• The earth is round – really? Yep. “Two in one bed” is a nighttime activity while women grinding grain and men in the field are daytime activities.
• Jesus isn’t always clear: I’m 76 years old, and I still don’t know what verse 37 means.

“Where, Lord?” And He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will be gathered.”

So I asked ChatGPT!

And you know what? It gave me what looks like a good answer. Note, please, my introduction: I promised to “offer an explanation” – a construction my grammar watcher recommends I change to “explain.” But “explain” is too strong. I’m “offering an explanation” which will work for me until I find something better. Here’s what I learned (with some additions of my own) from what ChatGPT suggested:

We’re in the context of judgment. The vultures are that judgment coming for those who are dead in sin (compare Romans 6.23 or Ephesians 2.1 – 3). Jesus’ response is a warning to turn from sin and to accept God’s remedy for sin, which is also in this passage:

But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. (Luke 17.25, ESV)

I like the way ChatGPT closed our conversation:

So, my friends, as we reflect on this enigmatic verse, let it serve as a reminder of the choices we make and the consequences that follow. Let it lead us to a place of repentance, where we turn away from the path of sin and embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers. And may we always seek to be aware of the presence of the Lord, so that we may be free from the gathering vultures and find our refuge in His love and grace. – ChatGPT responding to a query about Luke 17.37

I can’t improve on that. And, be assured that I write every word of these blogs myself UNLESS I am quoting someone else, and I’ll always let you know…even if it’s ChatGPT.

But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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. (Luke 21.34 – 36, ESV)