“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)

It’s no secret that we’re living in the end times and that the world is in chaos. Nations are restless, the earth groans with disasters, and fear and anxiety grips the hearts of many. People look around and see only uncertainty, but Jesus calls His followers to look up.

Jesus told His disciples there would be signs and that those signs would cause many to faint with fear. But for those who belong to Him, these are not signs of despair – they are reminders of His promise. All the things we’re seeing in the world is signaling that the return of Christ is closer than before.

Fear is our natural flesh nature response to uncertainty, but Jesus calls us to a supernatural response of faith and courage. He tells us to straighten up and lift our heads, not because things will get easier, but because we know His return is sure. Our redemption is not something we’re grasping for—it is something that is coming for us. So why wouldn’t we be raising our heads in anticipation of Him?

If we don’t keep our eyes on Jesus, it’s extremely easy to be consumed by the troubles of this life. The news bombards us with stories of destruction, political upheaval, and moral decline – good is called evil and evil is called good. But Jesus reminds us that these things are temporary and He urges us not to be weighed down by fear or distracted by what’s going on in this life. Instead, He calls us to be eternal minded, focusing not on what is seen but on what is unseen and everlasting.

This world will not last forever, and we aren’t meant to make this earth our home – we’re merely sojourners, a bride awaiting her bridegroom to come take us to the place He’s been preparing for us. The pains and struggles we experience now are light and momentary, a vapor, and if we’re setting our hope on anything in this world, we will be disappointed. But if our hope is built on Jesus, the rock of our salvation, then we will not be shaken.

The apostle Paul had a clear vision of what awaited those who remained faithful. He wrote in 2 Timorthy 4:8 that there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Are we longing for His appearing? Or are we getting caught up in the things of this life, forgetting our status as sojourners, called with the mission of discipleship while we await His return? The awareness of His eminent return should stir us with eager anticipation and joy, with a reverent fear and desire to be found faithfully tending to our master’s business upon His return.

Jesus’ words warning us of what’s to come are not a call to panic, they’re a call to posture. Jesus told us these things to prepare us. When the world fears, we’re called to have faith. When others faint with worry, we’re called to stand with confidence. Jesus’ return is near, and for those who trust in Him, that is a day to eagerly anticipate. So when fear tempts you to believe that everything is falling apart, remember the truth that it’s actually everything falling into place. Prophecies are being fulfilled and our King is coming, so in the midst of uncertainty right now, we can trust God and live each day with eternity in mind.

Be encouraged as you see these things taking place. Straighten up. Raise your head. Because your redemption is drawing near.