Look Up!

January 29

Read: Luke 21:25-28

I’m not sure exactly how the thought process began, but recently I was struck by something that may or may not have real significance. My wife came home from the store recently and had purchased several boxes of a particular product. She explained how she had trouble finding it in the store, and that when she did find it she felt like she should buy extra. Shortly afterwards, I tried to replenish my coffee supply, only to discover that the store was out (temporarily, I hope). My immediate thought was that when it came in, I would buy several cans. And then last week, while traveling, I found a product my mother had been looking for literally for years. Of course I bought more than one.

Realizing that we are not hoarders by nature, I was struck by the similarity between these incidents and what we had experienced while on the foreign mission field. Everywhere we went, we carried a shopping list in our heads and a net bag in our pocket. One never knew when one might run across such delicacies as toilet paper and peanut butter, and it paid to be prepared. The thought crossed my mind, “Is it possible that we as a country are sliding toward third-world status?” As an untrained observer, I’m not sure any conclusions I might draw about the matter will hold water, but the idea makes me a little uneasy, and puts me on guard watching for other signs.

In Luke 21, Jesus instructed the disciples concerning some signs they should be watching for. He lists a number of things that will occur prior to His return, and then He warns them to be watching. “When these things begin to come to pass,” He says, “then look up, and lift your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.”

Brothers and sisters, Jesus is coming again. The world situation and the biblical signs are so aligned as to convince most of us that it could happen at any moment. The Bible pronounces a special blessing on those who are watching and waiting when He does come (Luke 12:35-38). Similar to the situation in the grocery store, what we see about us is no guarantee that what we are expecting will occur. But it certainly should have us on guard.

Listening for the shout.

Bro. Tom



Truth is Eternal - Balthasar Hubmaier