I am teaching a series of Revelation in our church, which has been quite a challenge, yet it has encouraged me greatly, that Christ will always remain victorious, and we need not fear the future when we LOOK UP to Him in prayer and trusting faith.
In Luke 21 Jesus spoke much about the many signs which will appear and happen during the End Times, and in verse 27 He said; “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
When we look backwards, into our past, we might feel Satan’s condemnation for things we have already been forgiven for. When we look around us, we can become distracted and overwhelmed by all the goings on everywhere – the wars, deaths and disagreements among the nations. When we look ahead, we might become fearful of what might take place in the future and especially what might happen to our kids and grandkids and those we love who don’t know Jesus. The Bible teaches us to LOOK UP – to focus on Jesus.
There is a very big difference between Jesus’ first coming and His second coming. In His first coming Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and He was laid in a simple manger, noticed by very few people. In His second coming Jesus will be clothed with bright light, and every eye will see Him. In His first coming Jesus rode into Jerusalem in humility, on a donkey. In His second coming He will ride on the clouds with power and great glory. In His first coming Jesus died in agony on the cross – despised, rejected, and forsaken. In His second coming, the risen Lord will be accompanied by hosts of angels, and every knee shall bow before Him. Everyone will LOOK UP as our final redemption draws near.
I have often quoted Psalm 121, where it reminds us to LOOK UP to the mountains, to seek our help from the Lord. And Psalm 3:3 says, ““But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
When Stephen was being stoned to death for his faith, he was “…full of the Holy Spirit. He looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55)
When king Jehoshaphat faced overwhelming circumstances, He prayed – “(Lord) “we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (2 Chronicles 10:12) When our human understanding and resources might fail us, Christ can provide help, wisdom, guidance, and deliverance.
When we look up to Jesus, we are concentrating on the Only One who has the solutions to our problems. Psalm 25:15 says – “My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare.”
Precious Abba Father God, thank You that when our “…eyes look to You; You give us food at the proper time.” (Psalm 145:15) Thank You that that includes not only my physical foods and needs, but also my spiritual food and strength and sustenance. Thank You that “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105) I need not stumble in the dark or when facing challenges, because You are always with me when I look up to You. Thank You that ““You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:16) I love and worship You! Amen
Myrtle Turunen