Your redemption is drawing near …

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Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. … So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. … Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

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This chapter in Luke is filled with apocalyptic imagery that has been interpreted in a variety of ways depending on various eschatological perspectives. Even so, I think we can miss the predominant message of Christ if we focus on end times theology. In my thinking the Lord is not telling them (and us) these things to impress us with his prophetic prowess but to instruct us in the ways that we should live in difficult times. In truth our redemption ever draws near.

His instructions to us in cataclysmic times is so very clear. He tells us to raise our heads and embrace a heavenly perspective. He comforts us saying that his teachings are true and they are eternal. He warns us to stay awake spiritually and to pray for strength. He paints us an image of standing before him in heaven. These words are not meant to scare us but to give us hope in hard times and to help us persevere in faith, hope and love.

Help me to look upon the unseen eternal things Lord and to not be distracted by what I see.

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