The Signs that Encourage Us

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:25-28).

One of my favorite signature quotes is keep lookin’ up! I try to end most emails and letters with this admonition for two reasons. First, as an encouragement to pray about the topic of our communication, expecting a great and wonderful reply and revelation from heaven… “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3). Second, as an encouragement to see through and beyond the immediate circumstance and toward the eternal consequences and purposes behind it… “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). In today’s text, Jesus offers a glimpse of the signs that will precede His return. He includes a description of two different reactions to these signs. In truth, our reaction to the many signs of the Spirit of Christ’s daily intervention in our world and in our lives, identifies us as children of the world or children of God. You see, the very same signs of Christ’s coming that perplex the world are the signs that encourage us.

The signs plague heaven and earth. They are manifested throughout the natural world with such prevalence and profusion that no one can miss them. But what’s different about these signs are their origin. They are natural manifestations of a great conflagration among the “powers of the heavens” … “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). When your world is shaken up, look up and pray up, because Jesus is coming into your life to defeat the enemies that are gathering against you and your victory is very near!

The signs produce fear and foreboding in the hearts of the wicked. The signs of the Lord’s approach are severe because they are meant to shake the hearts and minds of unbelievers. The Lord’s protection and peace that covers us during the shakeup of the world around us are very perplexing to the unbeliever and can create opportunities for us testify about the hope we have in Christ… “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:13-15). When your world is shaken up, look around to see where Jesus is coming to touch and transform the hearts of the lost through your testimony!

The signs prompt elation and exaltation in the hearts of the righteous. The signs of the Lord’s approach signal the replacement of the natural world that is enslaved by sin’s terrible consequences with a new heavens and earth… “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:11-13). When your world is shaken up, look above and beyond your natural circumstances to Jesus who is coming to transform and prepare you for eternal righteousness and glory!

As we grow up into Christ, our anticipation of His coming is increased by…

The Signs that Encourage Us.