Looking unto Jesus

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV).

If you were to ask me what is happening in the world right now, I would answer, “Everything Jesus warned us would happen in the last days!” He foretold that men’s hearts would fail them for fear of what is happening on earth. He warned of earthquakes in various places, nation rising against nation and ethnic group against ethnic group. We have lived to see the beginning of all the end-time prophecies being fulfilled before our very eyes.

What did Jesus tell us to do when we see this? “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). Now, this sounds counter-intuitive because it’s a natural human response to be anxious when we see and hear dire news. We read the prediction of earthquakes in the Bible, and here they are in today’s headlines. Rumors of wars and uprisings today echo old prophesies that are now coming to life before our very eyes. We are flooded with foreboding; our adrenaline spikes, and we can feel the anxiety coursing through our veins.  Our hearts “fail us for fear.” Will we make it? Will our families survive?

Jesus is adamant. “Look up,” he says. “Stay focused on me.” He continually pulls our thoughts back to him. Psalm 46:2 should be written on our hearts: “Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” David’s calming words are a reminder that God has brought us this far and he will take us to the finish line.

God’s desire is that we draw close to him and never forget that he has all things under his control. Let your heart be encouraged that he is coming soon. Our redemption is at hand! “Let us hold fast the profession of our hope without wavering; for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).