Bible Reading: Exodus 18; Job 36; Luke 21; 2 Corinthians 6
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Jesus was discussing what was going to happen at his second coming. He talked of wars, famines, earthquakes, false Christ's and signs in the sun and moon. Jesus talked to his disciples of men's heart's failing them:
Luke 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
As you and I look around us we see some of these things happening right now. Within the last few weeks we have seen massive earthquakes in Haiti and Chili. Our country is at war on two fronts right now. False Christ's and false doctrines abound. These things are beginning to happen. What should the Christian's response be?
Jesus says look up. Keep your eyes on Jesus and don't ever take them off!
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Jesus says lift up your head. Don't be down and gloomy. We know this must happen and we have a LIVING SAVIOR! Jesus is alive. Live for him every day. When these things begin to happen, our redemption draws near. This is what the Christian is hoping for!
Romans 8:23-25 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
These things mean the time for the return of our Savior is near. We must live everyday for him. There are many who are NOT waiting for the return of Jesus. They do not trust him and do not know them. We are his ambassadors to warn of the coming judgment and to give the good news that they can be saved from the wrath to come through him!
In Christ,
Rody
