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

There are times when we deeply feel the intimacy of God’s presence. This morning, as I gazed at the sky, the phrase “Look up and live” came to mind.

There are days when we find ourselves with our heads hung low, captivated by worry, and weighed down by the burdens we carry. But amidst it all, the Bible offers us timeless reminders to shift our perspective. “Look up and live,” the scriptures say as if to urge us to raise our eyes beyond our problems and fix our gaze on something greater than ourselves.

Luke 21:28 is nestled within a passage where Jesus speaks about the signs of the end times and the challenges that will mark that period. While these words are often associated with eschatological discussions, they also hold a broader significance for our everyday lives. Jesus’ exhortation to “lift your heads” is a call to develop a mindset of hope and anticipation, regardless of the circumstances.

When we lift our heads, we acknowledge that our ultimate redemption is drawing near. This redemption isn’t just about the end of days; it’s about the restoration, renewal, and healing that can come to us even in our trials. By looking beyond our immediate circumstances, we gain the perspective that our challenges are not insurmountable barriers, but rather opportunities for growth and transformation.

“Look up and live” encapsulates a message of resilience, trust, and faith. It’s an invitation to relinquish our anxieties to a higher power, knowing that God’s providence is at work. Just as the three Hebrews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, must have found solace in lifting their eyes to see the fourth man in the fire we too will find solace by fixing our gaze on Jesus Christ.

This doesn’t mean we ignore the challenges around us or live in denial of the difficulties we face. Instead, it’s a call to find strength and hope during adversity. It’s a reminder that no matter how dark the night may seem; the dawn of redemption is always on the horizon.

So, let us embrace the words of Luke 21:28 as we journey through life. Let’s lift our heads above the fear and chaos and fix our eyes on the source of our hope. As we do so, we’ll find the courage to endure, the strength to overcome, and the faith to walk confidently each day.

Through the intimacy of God’s presence, we can look up and live because we’re made alive in Jesus Christ. 

God bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.