Look at the signs of redemption!
Luke 21:28-But when these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.” (EHV)
As the leaves start to change from green to red, orange, and yellow, we know that fall is on its way. As the colorful leaves start to turn brown and fall to the ground, we know that winter is on its way. There are signs of the changes of seasons. For some people, these signs are welcomed, but for others, they are signs of dread of the colder and darker months to come.
Jesus made it clear that there are signs for the end of the world. Here are some of the signs Jesus talked about, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be horrifying sights and great signs from heaven. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, handing you over to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all people for my name’s sake. There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And on the earth nations will be in anguish, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the surging waves, people fainting from fear and expectation of the things coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”
When you hear Jesus speak about these signs, how does it make you feel? If you’re like me, those signs are terrifying! It is enough to make you want to put your head in the sand and hope they go away. There is so much pain, misery, and turmoil associated with those signs. But how does Jesus want us to reach to these signs? Stand up and lift up your heads. In other words, don’t bury your heads in fear but lift them up in joy!
How can this be?
These signs point to the greatest day of all, redemption day! The more the signs appear, the sooner our Redeemer will return to bring us out of this world of pain and misery to the world free of sin and death. Every trouble we experience make us joyful for Jesus’ return. He has already earned our redemption when he came to earth that first Christmas. This is the reason for our joy and why we can view these signs without terror. Christ the Lord is returning and bringing with him our redemption which he earned by giving his life and taking it up again.
Dear Advent King. Thank you for revealing the signs of your second coming. Help us look at these signs with joy because we know you are bringing our redemption. Continue to be with us and strengthen us through your promises. In your name we pray, Amen.