Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
This passage of scripture teaches us the right response to the gross spiritual darkness that is accumulating across the world, and it is for us to look up, meaning that our focus should not be on the evils that are taking deep root, but it should rather be on Christ who is in the process of wrapping up His High-Priestly ministry in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary in heaven. It is easy for us to become overly consumed with the troubles we're facing, and even though we are admonished to watch and pray, yet we should always remember that in the greater context of eternity, all that we are presently going through is just but for a moment.
However, there are two mindsets that should be avoided as we approach the close of earth's history, the first being that of incognizance of the world around us, and the millions of people who are going down into Christless graves, who are not aware of the developments taking place in the heavenly sanctuary above. In His instruction to us to "Look up", Christ is not saying that we should be ignorant of the signs and prophecies being fulfilled each day, for it is very necessary for us to study them closely so that the great day of God will not take us unawares. But we should avoid the temptation of being so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good, for while we are to "Look up", we are never to forget that there are friends and neighbors, families and coworkers who need to hear of a Savior who died to redeem them from sin, and therefore the mountain-top experiences should not prevent us from serving in the valley below, because both experiences are enjoined as sacred duties in the scriptures. Let's read:
Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
The other mindset we should avoid is that of sinking into despair on account of the evils and senseless violence that now comprises most of the news we hear from day to day. It requires a mind that is firmly rooted in Christ to be able to know of the atrocities taking place in various parts of the world, without being overwhelmed by them to the point where we only see darkness before us, instead of the dawning of an eternal day. The darkest hours of the night are just before the morning, and the Bible prophets have predicted that both darkness and light will converge just before Christ returns. So while spiritual darkness may be depressing in nature, yet it should be viewed in the greater context of the dawning of eternity. Let's read:
Isaiah 21:11 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? 12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night.
Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
In our world today the news headlines are filled with mass executions, mass kidnappings, mass beheadings, corruption in high and low places, extortion, greed, and every low element of depraved human nature. Added to all these evils is the rapidly declining moral bankruptcy that is enveloping the western world as a pall of death. Yet Christ bids us to "Look up", for our redemption draws near, and in lieu of the promise of His soon return, we should do all we can to hasten the long looked for event, by spreading the gospel to all we come in contact with in our neck of the woods, so that as many as will be saved, can be saved whilst probation lingers.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encapsulates the correct attitude to be harbored as we look forward to Christ's soon return, and it is our sincere prayer and hope that the remaining time will not be spent in idleness, but rather in zealous work for The Master, knowing that our days of sojourn on this planet are numbered. Let's read:
2nd Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!