They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10-11
When the world was a little less pseudo-sophisticated than it is today, groups of teenage boys from Chicago liked to play tricks on the folks who had come from the country, seeing the big city for the first time. If there came a group of these visitors, identified by their dress and general look of confusion, the Chicago boys would stop, tilt their heads back as far as possible, and stare at the top of one of the tall buildings. The visitors would also stop, tilt their heads back as far as possible, and start staring, too.
The visitors didn’t know what everyone was looking at, but they certainly weren’t going to embarrass themselves by asking or admitting that they didn’t see anything. So there everyone stood, looking at nothing in particular. The spell was broken only when some stouthearted individual would throw caution to the wind and ask, “What’s so interesting up there, anyway?”
Wherever and whenever the Gospel has been presented in its truth and purity, the unbelieving world has wanted to know, “What’s so interesting about Jesus and the heaven He has won for all who believe?” For 2,000 years the world has been amazed that those who have Jesus as their Savior do not seem to see the world as they do.
Where are you looking? Do you look down because of a love that is lost, because of wandering children, insecure finances, or unsound health? Do you look down because of shame and a sin you believe can never be forgiven?
These problems, along with many others, can so limit your view that you end up believing the world is filled with darkness. If this describes your outlook, then it is time to lift your eyes to see Jesus. If you are grieving, He has promised a resurrection reunion for all who believe. Are you sick and troubled? See clearly the all-powerful Savior who is your refuge and strength. See Him who is a very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Let Him show you the peace you long for which, up to this moment, may have proven so elusive. Look up and see Jesus, your Savior and your Lord.
Excerpt from The Lutheran Hour sermon preached on June 1, 2003
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, allow me to look up and see You in Your purity. Release a spirit of expectancy in the hearts of those looking and cannot see. I thank You for allowing me the ability to see, feel, and hear You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 39-40 Matthew 21:23-46
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