Lift Up Your Heads
Scripture: “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21.28, ESV)
MAIN POINT: When we see the upheavals of this world, we are called not to despair but to lift our heads in hope because Christ is coming.
This is where Jesus has been leading us all along. He has shown us visions of violence—temples destroyed, families divided, nature in convulsion, nations in distress. He has not hidden the reality of suffering and persecution. But the purpose of these visions is not to terrify us or captivate us with fear. The purpose is to give us hope.
“Straighten up and raise your heads.” This is a military command, a call to attention. When a soldier sees the signs of approaching allies, he doesn’t cower in fear—he stands tall with hope. So too, when we see the upheavals Jesus described, we are to recognize them as birth pangs, as signs that our redemption is drawing near.
Malachi promised that “the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings” (Malachi 4.2). That Sun has risen in Christ Jesus. He has come once in humility to bear our sins. He will come again in glory to complete our redemption. Every trial we face, every upheaval we witness, brings us closer to that day when He will renew all things.
So lift up your heads. Don’t be captivated by the chaos. Don’t close your eyes to the reality of suffering. Look through it all to see Christ your Redeemer. He is with you now. He will be with you in every trial. And He is coming soon to bring you home.
Reflection: The upheavals of this world are not signs that God has lost control, but signs that our redemption is drawing near. How would believing each trial brings you closer to Christ’s return change your daily life? How can you lift your head rather than being weighed down?
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. We lift up our heads in hope, knowing You are coming to make all things new. Help us live each day with confidence in Your promises and courage in the face of trials. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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