With the recent epidemic of drone news and the feeding frenzy of news sites and prolific U-tube sensationalists and prognosticators videos covering it and the speculations of "Alien Disclosure", has made the timing apropos for this discussion.
The subject in its simplest form comes down to "Looking up".
It's a thing we do regularly in life in the physical as we stay aware of our surroundings. It also has a spiritual significance, as well as a psychological reference to our moods and emotions, and our mental health both in times of great stress and in times of ethereal peace.
I'm so tired. No, I'm not troubled, I'm worn out. And it is no more than any of you in this same condition.
What am I tired of?
For starters:
• Waiting ... (typical) I'm a creature of habit, and habits get old real fast.
• The World. It also has gotten old real fast.
• The assault of distractions, both in terms of the distractions, and those who continue to try and push them on us. I am not obligated to meet your demands for attention or my time and energy.
So please... Just stop.
The list goes on, but you get the point.
So, the question to ask is are you looking up?
And the second question is what are you looking up at or for or to?
Here, is where we get to the crux of this message. In this profound time of stress, the Word tells us to focus on Him. It is His sole message to the believer in all times, but most especially to those at the last days of the age. To Rest in Him, to Endure Patiently, to Look Up for His Soon coming for us.
I will reference a few points of scripture that have become my lifeline and raft in these very dark days. Those are (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36), (Revelation 3:8, 10-11).
All the world looks up at the skies and events in them, yet they do not consider that which is beyond it or regard the unseen things.
Folks look up in fear and trepidation of the unknown, things like drones in the sky, changing weather, celestial events, with a feeling of foreboding.
This is not how we are supposed to be, and these are not things we are supposed to determine to be important in our lives.
I will start with (Luke 21), and before you dismiss this as not relevant with a presumption of 2nd Coming timing as is so often blanketed on (Luke 21), stay with me as I point out some [Context].
Luke 21:25-28
There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves.
Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
In this first part we see here a list of things to watch for to know that our (Redemption) is near, and to Look Up for it in anticipation. They are events that establish a timing period that is rather loosely defined as "near". The starting condition for that "near" is stated as "When these things begin to happen".
This "redemption" is nothing less than the Resurrection and Rapture. The Greek word (G629 - apolutrósis) used here means - "Ransom in full, Riddance (of sin), Release effected by payment of ransom, deliverance, IE redemption"
This therefor is not the end of the Tribulation, but the end of the current age.
This is further supported by the context of verses 34-36.
Luke 21:34-36
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life— and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth.
So, keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.
Jesus cautions (as always) to watch your hearts (not to watch for a day or some sign) and to be separated from the world, or you will be caught off guard. This says nothing about Salvation which is secure and eternal. But the crown goes only to those who are longing for Him when He arrives.
That day will come upon the whole world as a trial and a snare (quickly).
So, He says to watch (our hearts) at all times, and to pray to have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and stand before Him at the BEMA (here He uses the Kinsman Redeemer title of Son of Man). This strength to escape, is none other than His salvation, His work, His strength and not our own. If you are saved, you are going, ALL who call...
And finally, you cannot escape all that is to come, if you have already gone through it, so it cannot be 2nd coming.
This is once again, the return of Christ for His own, ALL of them, He will not lose one that has been given Him. This escape, the Resurrection and Rapture, which is our final part of the whole redemption process, the Glorification of the believer, the full elimination of sin completely with our new bodies, and our exit from earth.
These two sections of (Luke 21) show the condition of the times that they reference. The world is bogged down in stress and worry and fear, and we are reminded to rise above that in our faith and focus on Him alone, come what may, as our stay is temporary.
The church of Philadelphia in (Revelation 3) shows a similar aspect and a similar structure. By context its description is that of the church at the time of the Resurrection and Rapture.
Revelation 3:8-11
I know your deeds. Behold, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut.
I know that you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.
As for those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead, I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you.
Because you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
It is a church (a body of believers) holding on by a string, grasping with all strength and might that they can muster to Jesus (His name) in faith and belief, and to His legitimate and authentic word, knowing that He IS God the Son, the word made flesh, and by His foundation are deemed worthy to be redeemed and are loved by Him.
A church mocked, berated, dismissed, hated, persecuted by the world and by the fakes who claim a covenant but are nothing more than liars.
A church who does not get lost in the lies and the distraction and worries of the world, and look at the rich reward for the simple action of faith. Simply to believe and trust Him as God, and to trust His promise.
These verses never cease in encouragement, they never grow weak.
And so, I ask you, what is it you are looking up for or to?
Pray for discernment, pray for wisdom, pray for peace and pray for focus. Above all, pray for everything, so that you will have that strength to escape all that is about to come upon the earth.
Grace and Peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ, God in the flesh!
