After Jesus described the signs that would precede His return, He gave an interesting command. He said, “Look up! For your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). Now I think we would all agree Jesus wasn’t saying we should literally be walking around all the time looking up in the sky. Think of everything we’d be running in to. Maybe you’ve never really given this much thought since what He described is so much of what we are seeing and focusing on today. “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world…” (vv. 25-26). We would be hard pressed to deny that these things have received much of our attention recently, including the current COVID19 pandemic. However, the Lord said we are to be looking up! What did He mean by that?

The writer of Hebrews may be of help. Listen to the Scriptures admonition to us as we see the Day of Christ’s return drawing near. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward to love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching”  (Hebrews 10:24-25). These are the things that should be receiving most of our attention. The Apostle Paul put it this way. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.[…] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:1-3; 12-14).

Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). If there is any time in history when this should be the thing we focus on, it is now. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7). The greatest expression of God’s love is currently “seated at the right hand of God”. No wonder we are to “look up”. The Day of His return is approaching and we have the opportunity to show those around us where our eyes are looking by the way we relate to one another. Let’s not waste that opportunity. May what they see being worked out in our lives speak louder than any words we may say.