LOOK UP — The Advent Hope
Notes
Transcript
LOOK UP — The Advent Hope
Luke 21:25–28
INTRODUCTION — ADVENT LOOKS FORWARD
My beloved Saint Thomas Baptist family and friends, grace and peace be multiplied unto you in this blessed and holy season of Advent! Advent is a season that teaches us how to look forward when everything around us tries to pull us backward. Advent reminds us that our story is headed somewhere, and that God’s promise is leading us toward a glorious future.
The world looks around and sees chaos—But the believer looks toward Christ and sees hope.
The world looks at the news and sees anxiety—But the believer looks at the gospel and sees assurance.
The world looks at darkness—But the believer sees light approaching the horizon!
See, Advent is more than preparing for Christmas— Advent is preparing for Christ.
Advent reminds us that: Christ came once, Christ is present now. And Christ is coming again. And the one who came in humility—Is returning in glory!
So, the Spirit speaks through Luke 21 to say what Jesus said to His disciples: “LOOK UP… for your redemption draweth nigh.”
CONTEXT — TROUBLE, PROPHECY, AND HOPE
Jesus is speaking prophetically about the end times, and He doesn’t sugar-coat the truth. He talks about: Distress of nations. Confusion in the world. Roaring seas. Hearts failing.
Fearful expectations. Jesus paints a picture that looks a lot like our news cycle: Wars and rumors of wars. Political turmoil. Economic uncertainty. Increasing violence. Moral decline. And yet Jesus says— don’t panic, LOOK UP! Because things are not falling apart—Things are falling into place. Darkness doesn’t mean God is absent—Darkness means His appearing is getting closer!
THE WORLD LOOKS DOWN IN FEAR(v. 26)
People look at the world and feel helpless. They look at the economy and feel anxious. They look at violence and feel unsafe. They look at politics and feel confused. The world says, look down. But Advent says, look up!
Supporting Scripture:
(John 14:2) “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”
(Isaiah 41:10) “Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].”
Fear is real—but God is greater.
Trouble is present—but Christ is coming.
BELIEVERS LOOK UP IN FAITH (v. 28)
Jesus says: “…look up, and lift up your heads…”
Why? Because believers don’t bow to fear; we lift our heads in faith! When storms rise— faith looks up. When trouble increases— hope looks up. When life gets heavy— worship looks up. When the world collapses around us— the believer lifts their eyes above it!
Supporting Scripture:
(Psalm 121:1) “will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah]—From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”
(Hebrews 12:2) “[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].”
HEAVEN IS LOOKING TOWARD THE MOMENT(vv. 27)
Jesus says the Son of Man will come “with power and great glory!”
Not as a baby in a manger—But as King of Kings! Heaven is already preparing for the celebration of His return! Angels are ready. Glory is ready.
Eternity is ready—And one day soon, the trumpet will sound! Advent says—get ready!
YOUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR(v. 28)
Jesus says: “your redemption draweth nigh.”
Not just redemption from sin— but redemption from suffering. Not just redemption from guilt— but redemption from grief. Not just redemption from bondage— but redemption to glory! The One who redeemed your soul. Is coming to redeem your world!
Supporting Scripture:
(Hebrews 9:28) “so Christ, having been offered once and once for all to bear [as a burden] the sins of many, will appear a second time [when he returns to earth], not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those who are eagerly and confidently waiting for Him.”
(Revelation 21:4) “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.”
CELEBRATORY WHOOPING CLOSE — ADVENT STYLE
Church, Jesus said—LOOK UP!
When life tries to drag you down—LOOK UP!
When storms try to tear you down—LOOK UP!
Because the same Jesus who came once-Is coming again!
He came the first time wrapped in swaddling clothes—He’s coming the next time wrapped in glory!
He came the first time to save sinners—He’s coming the next time to judge the world!
He came the first time in weakness—He’s coming the next time in power!
He came the first time to die—He’s coming the next time to reign!
So, look up church! Look up Saint Thomas! Look up believer!
Because your redemption is drawing near!
And one of these Advent mornings—When the trumpet shall sound, and time shall be no more,
The dead in Christ shall rise, and those who are alive and remain, shall be caught up to meet Him in the air!
And so shall we ever be with the Lord! Look up, look forward, and look to Jesus! And all God’s hopeful Advent people said Amen, amen, and amen!
