28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
These words of action come at a time of great contrasts. The previous verses have spoken about everything on earth that is solid being shaken. Turmoil of land, sea and heavens are signs of Jesus’ eminent return. The people of the world cower in fear. They don’t know what is happening because the events are totally unprecedented. And yet, in the middle of all this turmoil, Jesus-followers are encouraged to stand up and look to heaven. I don’t know about you, but when everything in my world is falling apart, I don’t really want to stand up. In the middle of an earthquake, I don’t want to stand up. When a tornado comes my direction, I don’t want to stand up. When my financial house of cards is collapsing, I want to hide under the furniture. And yet when Jesus tells his disciples about these events he tells them to stand up. We will know what these events mean. They will not surprise us. When they happen we will know it is only a few more moments before heaven takes over earth. The goal of our life will be near completion. So we are to prepare ourselves for that moment. We stand up ready to greet our returning Lord. We raise our heads in anticipation of His return, just as He said, from the clouds of heaven. Our hearts beat in anticipation of seeing face to face the one who died in our place. All around us people will be cowering in fear and we will be standing in triumph. What a contrast! What a Lord! His power and glory will be seen by all. All our doubts will be erased. Our faith will be confirmed. Questions that have haunted our days and nights will fade. Truth will be present. Clarity and understanding will appear. That is why we look up.
The Arnold Journey 