Keep Looking Up!

““There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”” (Luke 21:25–28, NASB95)

Life is a journey, not a simple existence, and this world is not our home. Jesus spoke about difficult days and catastrophic events that will take place in the future. We are living in those days! The world is experiencing all kinds of changes as if it was a pregnant woman about to give birth. Jesus has given believers a road map to navigate these difficult days so that we don’t feel lost or lose hope. Jesus directs believers to look at the signs given in nature and events in the world. The problem is that we are blind to the events before us, which is like leaving the map in the glove box, and then we find ourselves lost. The best solution when you are lost is to seek direction. God’s Word is what will give directions on how to navigate these difficult days (Prov. 3:5-6).

All nature is under God’s control, and He is speaking through nature to the whole world, saying that Jesus is coming soon. In this passage, Jesus draws from the apocalyptic pictures given in the Old Testament that describe the cosmic signs that God will give concerning the end of days. Prophets like Isaiah, Joel, and Ezekiel all speak of natural wonders that will take place prior to the coming of Jesus who brings with Him our redemption. There are two views that can be taken when natural wonders and disasters take place; fear or anticipation. Helpless people develop fear out of a sense of loss. Faithful people have a sense of anticipation because of a sense of gain. Yet all these signs in nature are not meant for our destruction but the declaration of a message from God that Jesus is coming soon and with Him, our salvation from a world that is falling apart.

Jesus also states that “overwhelming fear” will grip the hearts of man (Lk. 21:26). The unbeliever or weak in faith will be driven by fear for self-preservation rather than trusting in the Lord. This, too, is a sign of the times where man will react out of fear rather than faith. Should the unbeliever be afraid for his life? Yes, because Jesus is coming soon and they lack salvation, all they see is destruction. But the Christ-follower should not be afraid but lookup. Why? Because Jesus is coming soon.

The Christ-follower is looking up because they know the Word of God and believe in the coming of Jesus. When He comes, He brings redemption and salvation with Him. Jesus will return not as a crucified lamb but as a victorious lion. Satan was defeated at the cross and has had his time on earth, but when Jesus comes, the enemy will be dethroned, and Jesus will establish His eternal Kingdom (Daniel 7).

How should we react to the events of the day? Keep looking up until God reveals His glory as Jesus returns. Keep your eyes toward the skies until you see Jesus.


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