Lift Up Your Heads

September 14

(Luke 21:25-31 NIV) ““There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. {26} Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. {27} At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. {28} When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. {29} He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. {30} When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. {31} Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.””

(Psalm 46:1-7 NIV) “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. {2} Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, {3} though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. {4} There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. {5} God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. {6} Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. {7} The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Just before the return of Christ, there will be signs on the Earth and in the sky that are so frightening, men will faint with fear. Heavenly bodies will be shaken. The Earth will tremble and convulse. The oceans will roar. Chaos and fear will reign in this world that God created for peace, order, and harmony. This is sin’s final gasp. For the lost, there will be no place to hide -- no escape from the horror. But for those who have trusted Christ, redemption will be drawing near. Believer, when you see these things happening, do not look down in despair or look around in terror -- look up in faith! Those watching for Christ’s return will see Him coming in the sky. Look up! Watch for Jesus more than you watch for the signs of His coming. Knowing the signs will not save you. Only knowing Jesus can do that. Hope is lost when we look around. Hope is realized when we look up. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day