ITS TIME

by Ebi Philips
(Nigeria)

Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near. (Lk 21:28)(amp)

The opening scripture is preceded by a list of terrible events Jesus tells us, will take place towards the end of time. (Lk 21:8-36.) My focus is really not on the mayhem that will be at that time but,it is important to point out that nearly all of the things Jesus mentions will take place, have either taken place or are taking place in the world today. What strikes me in this chapter (Lk 21 amp), is verse 8. It is an instruction to us, believers- He says when these terrible things begin to happen, LOOK UP and lift your heads up. Why? For the fact that our deliverance is near (Lk 8:28 amp).

I believe that to look up means to take our attention off everything else distracting us and focus on Him, Jesus. Oh, how easy it is to get so drowned in the business and issues of life that we sometimes forget we are not of this world. ( Jhn 17:16 ). Friends, it is time to stop being distracted by our jobs, our relationships, our obsessions, challenges, our relationships and look up; lets focus on the Master so we would not be taken by surprise when He SUDDENLY appears. In verse 34 of the same chapter, Jesus warns us to be on our guard; making sure we are not weighed down or burdened by the issues of the world- But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to the business of this life, and lest that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose; (Lk 21 :34 amp). When I saw this verse, I made up my mind not to let anything weigh me down or distract me. I am determined in the Holy Ghost, to keep it that way. Because, hey! Life in this world- the overwhelming issues we face and all the seemingly wonderful pleasures we indulge in are nothing compared to what awaits us in eternity. I would not want to miss spending eternity with Jesus over worldly issues that frankly don?t count in the afterlife. One of the few things in this life that counts in the afterlife, is what we did for Jesus and His kingdom. Every now and then, when I list all the seemingly important things I have to do daily, I make sure the list contains something the Lord cares about because that is whats most important. With that said, this really is the time to Keep our eyes on Jesus and let our hearts be saturated with His words; the time to be alert and watchful; these are not the times for unforgiveness, gossiping (God help us!), slander and all the other vices that we allow get the better of us. We just have to yield ourselves to the Holy ghost so He can rid them out of our lives because, time is running out????..
God Bless u!