Straighten Up and Raise Your Heads

“Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” -Luke 21:28

Oh the glorious return of Jesus. We can waste far too much time speculating when it will happen and exactly what will take place, but the point we can't miss is that Jesus returns for his church, for final redemption. At this arrival we can change our posture and look up with confidence because what was promised has come.

The Gospel reality is that we don't have to wait for this straightening and head-raising — we can do that now because of what has already been delivered to us in Christ. Our redemption secured on the cross of Calvary. The Son of Man has given us new life through his resurrection. He has empowered us by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Now we have forgiveness from sin, new purpose, and a new identity in Christ. At these truths, we can have that same confidence as that final moment because the king has delivered both of them.

Today, remind yourself of your redemption in Christ. Let it change your posture and raise your head. Jesus is for you, and he is returning to claim those who are his.

Trusting in His Care

“Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the LORD, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.” -Jeremiah 46:28 

Exile is not ideal. It never has been the preferred way of life, but it was what God had placed Israel into, it was what he was allowing them to experience in order to work his redemptive plan. Even in exile, though, God speaks, making clear that he is with his people, and he will keep them. Discipline yes, but keep them. 

This is an amazing grace for the rebellious kingdom that has lost trust in its own kings. The people have put aside the words and wisdom of God, instead living for themselves. 

The exile of Israel does eventually end; in the same way, God brings an end to our spiritual exile. The Messiah comes to redeem his people, to open the kingdom to all who believe in him. He is not what the descendants of Jacob expected, but he is the One who keeps us. 

This is now our experience in Christ — liberated from captivity and occupation and forever kept in his kingdom, a covenant kingdom forged by his blood. All other nations will fall. All other hopes and idols will be revealed as false and not enough. But he will keep his people. No matter what comes, he will keep us. 

Today, whether you feel like you are experiencing exile (which we are as we wait for Christ's return) or you can no longer abide the occupying force, remember that Jesus has you and has promised to keep, secure, and flourish you. Trust in his care, rejoice in him, rest in his finished kingdom work!