Luke 21:25-28 – “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,  26 men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  27 “Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory.  28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” NASB

Many of us have heard, most of our lives, that ‘this is the generation that will see the Lord return’.  Well, let me say, I believe that the finale is rapidly approaching and the predictions of the Bible are rapidly coming to pass.  The one thing that stands out in this passage in addition to the Return of Jesus, which is obviously the most important, is that there will be a time when men faint from fear due to what they see coming on the world. 

We have had it relatively easy in America compared to some parts of the world.  This is especially true with regard to our faith and freedom.  We have been able to worship as we desire with little hindrance from the government and have lived relatively free lives in comparison to many in other parts of the world.  That, I believe, is about to change, and everything that can be shaken will be shaken.  We are nearing a time when fear and dread of what is coming will be the prevailing mindset among multiplied millions.

The encouragement I can give is verse 28 – “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.”  The finale is coming and coming soon!  Things may get worse and I believe they will, but we have something upon which we base our confidence and hope that is not of this world.  We have hope and expectation beyond this life.  We have liberty and freedom that is not man given and cannot be taken by man.  They may place us in chains, restrict our physical movement but they cannot take our true freedom that comes from God!

Instead of dreading what might be coming, turn your eyes upon Jesus!  Instead of fearing what might happen, turn your eyes upon Jesus!  Instead of wringing your hands and contemplating throwing in the towel in concession of defeat turn your eyes upon Jesus!  He is the author and finisher of our faith and He will Never leave us or forsake us.  The finale is not a bad thing if you are in the family of God.  It is a promotion to the next and eternal phase of our lives.  It is simply relocation from this present world to that eternal world where we will spend eternity with the Lord!

So as you go through this day go in hope and confidence!  Banish fear Oh Lord, banish fear from our lives!