Our Good God’s blessings to you on this fine Friday morning! Be encouraged today ‘because you belong to Christ’ (Mark 9)!
Read Luke 21:8 – 28.
My brother, this past March The Spirit prompted me to begin sending out these text devotionals/studies each morning. The first messages were drafted during the earliest days of the COVID lockdown, and I believe every one of us (and I am absolutely including myself) were wondering what in the world would happen next. Over the course of the intervening 6 months, we experienced events that none of us ever expected. And just when it seemed like we were overcoming one challenge, another trial would come along – pestilences, riots, fires, political turmoil, division, confusion, deception.
We continue to face trials and tribulations today; and, at this point, I personally don’t foresee an end to these difficulties.
But through almost 140 text-based devotionals, the truth of God was proclaimed each weekday morning during the past (difficult) 6 months. I pray that each lesson brought you comfort; and peace; and encouragement; and even by the grace of God, some revelation. But most of all, I pray that the morning messages served to draw you closer to Our Lord.
Today’s text will be the final devotional; at least, the last of the ‘regularly scheduled, Monday through Friday’ messages.
The concluding verse in today’s reading says (vv 28): “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Jesus issues this command after having detailed for His disciples all of the confounding signs and devastating events that will precede His return. Carefully consider His command and its context – when faced with (vv 11) “fearful sights and great signs from Heaven”; when there is (vv 25) “distress of nations, with perplexity”; when all of these things occur, “look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”.
As we close out these series of lessons, I pray that each of you will always “look up and lift up your heads” no matter how difficult things become – no matter what trials you face – regardless of circumstances in your life or tribulation in the world – “look up”, because your Redeemer is returning!
Finally, my brother, I leave you today with this mighty exhortation and blessing from the word (I Thessalonians 5): “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”.
Amen! And bless you, every one!