Look Up
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” -Luke 21:28
As I was driving to the office this week, I heard the call in my spirit to “Look Up”. I quickly glanced up and today’s scripture came into my thoughts. When I pulled into the parking lot, I sat gazing up into the sky pondering what it will be like when Jesus returns with a burst in the sky. I felt a sense of urgency to live that day with a looking up attitude.
What does that mean? I didn’t listen for the trumpet sound, I didn’t sit staring into the sky all day, I didn’t sit paralyzed thinking this might be my last day. But an expectancy and urgency came over me that I long to have every day.
Most of America was caught “looking up” into the sky on Monday, August 21, 2017. The phenomenal solar eclipse affected all of America in some way. We pressed through crowds, searched, begged, and purchased the appropriate specification glasses in order to gaze at the spectacular occurrence in the sky. School was canceled, work was postponed, and roads were closed to normal traffic.
My first glimpse erupted in a gasp. It was unfolding just as all of the media had said it would happen. Right there above me, with the proper glasses, I was able to stare at the sun as the moon passed over it. A view to remember forever. It wasn’t the event that grabbed my attention as much as the reminder that I serve a mighty God that controls all things.
“Lift up your eyes on high and see Who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power,
Not one of them is missing.” -Isaiah 40:26
Even though the world seems to be quickly spinning out of control, our Sovereign God holds it all in place according to His command. His word tells us all these things will happen and we can know that our redemption is drawing nearer and nearer. He is in control and some day soon, He is returning to gather His Bride. He will make all things right in the end.
The question is: Will we listen and will we prepare?
If only, America would turn their eyes upward to stare at the Son!
If we would pause our busy schedules, put work on hold, cancel plans, pull over on the side of the road, do whatever is necessary to gain new perspective. As we stare at the Son, we will know the Father. His Spirit that lives within us will give us everything that we need in these last days.
“Lord, please continue to speak to us and call us to Look Up, living our lives expectant of your return. Give us your heart for the lost, the broken, and the wounded. Let us be messengers that point others in the right direction that they too will be prepared for your return. Oh, Lord, don’t let us be more intentional about a solar eclipse than we are at seeing and hearing you. Awaken us Lord!”
"They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” -Acts 1:10-11