Look Up! Your Redemption Draws Near – Luke 21:28
In Luke chapter 21, our Lord Jesus is sitting on the Mount of Olives with His disciples. He begins to tell them about the signs that will take place before His return.
He speaks of wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, and distress of nations.
To the natural man, these things can sound pretty frightening. But folks, Jesus doesn’t want us to be afraid, but instead, He gives us one of the most beautiful promises in the whole Bible:
“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28 NKJV)
What Does It Mean to “Look Up”?
The Lord is not telling us to stick our heads in the sand and ignore what’s happening in the world. He is very honest with us. He says difficult days are coming. But when we see these things beginning to take place, we are not to hang our heads in defeat or despair.
We are to look up with expectation and hope!
The world may be getting darker. Nations are in distress. Governments seem to be moving further and further away from God.
But for the child of God, these things should not cause us to be pessimistic, but they should cause us to lift up our heads because we know our redemption is drawing near.
This Is Not Defeatism ~ This Is Living Hope
Some folks think that those of us who believe in the pre-millennial return of Christ are just a bunch of gloomy Christians waiting for everything to fall apart. But that’s not true, saints. Not true at all.
We believe the Bible from cover to cover. We take God at His Word when He makes promises to Israel. We believe there is a literal future kingdom where Jesus Christ will reign as King from Jerusalem. We believe God has a wonderful plan for Israel and for all of mankind.
This hope does not make us throw up our hands and say, “What’s the use?” On the contrary! This blessed hope causes us to live holy lives, to preach the gospel with urgency, and to comfort one another with the truth of His soon return.
Paul told the Thessalonians:
“Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18 NKJV)
And Jesus Himself said when you see these signs, look up, your redemption is getting closer every day.
Practical Encouragement for Dark Days
When you turn on the news and it seems like the darkness is increasing, don’t bow your head in fear, folks!. But lift up your head!
Your Saviour is coming. The Blessed Hope, the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, is right around the corner (Titus 2:13).
Just like young David ran toward Goliath with confidence in the living God, we can face the giants of our day with the same confidence. The battle is the Lord’s, and the King is returning!
So keep your eyes on Jesus. Keep studying the Word. Keep sharing the love of Christ with a lost and dying world. And above all, keep looking up!
Our redemption is drawing near.
Your Redeemer is coming!