I am currently reading David Jeremiah’s latest book, The Great Disappearance. It’s chalked full of great stories of faith and 31 practical ways to be Rapture ready; I highly recommend it. In chapter 18, titled Mindful of Heaven, Pastor Jeremiah creatively challenges his readers ‘to keep their eyes focused upward on heaven.’ As we keep our head looking up toward heaven, then we’re not looking down on the ground, on earthly things.
Jesus said it this way, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” – Luke 21:28
Paul said it this way, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Peter said it this way, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” – 2 Peter 3:11
- As we look up, we can see all that is happening around us, no matter what the media says, or doesn’t say. God has called us to conduct ourselves in holiness and godliness, which has everything to do with how we carry ourselves and live out our faith in this last of the last days.
We are to be men who hastening the coming of the day of God. That is, as we focus upward, so we can see the nearness of the Lord’s return and our need to be ready for it, while helping others to do the same.
The challenge comes when Pastor Jeremiah asks, ‘In light of the imminent Rapture, is there any change you need to make in your daily life; entertainment, spending, attitude, and use of time?’ My answer is an immediate and loud ‘Yes!’ I am always looking for ways to improve my serve and myself, it’s a never ending process.
C.S Lewis, said it this way, ‘I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the man object of life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same.’
My response to this quote, first, didn’t this guy know how to use a period. Secondly, I understand that this world is NOT my home; I am passing through. I often find myself saying, ‘I just want to go home,’ and often I say this while I am in my house. I know where my real home is, where my real country, it’s in my Father’s house in heaven. Knowing this makes all the difference.
However, until we get there, we’re still here. Jesus reminds us in the parable of the talents, that we are to occupy until He returns.
“So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business (‘occupy’ KJV) till I come.’ – Luke 19:13
Our work must be an expression of our love for the Lord and our thankfulness to even have a job in the first place. We believe in imminence, we believe that Jesus could return at any moment; or, at any moment, we could pass away; either way, we’re with the Lord as believers.
Pastor Jeremiah says, ‘Our love for Jesus should be reflected in our daily routine! God has assigned work for each of us to do, and this work is daily. We have a task to finish, a race to run, and a job to do, How we serve the Lord this week is determined by our zeal for His swift (and imminent) return. Christ’ soon return and the concept of eternity provide the strongest motivation for living the Christian life today. The Rapture makes us mindful of heaven, even in the here and now.’
In his book, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, “If you read history, you will find that those Christians who did most for the present world were just those who though most of the next…It’s since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in:’ aim at earth and you well get neither.”
It’s my hope that you will keep your head lifted up and looking up. Aim your sights at heaven while you do practical and relevant work here on the earth as unto the Lord; ministering to people and letting yours light shine for Jesus. We’re almost home. As we enter into another new year, may our witness of the Christ be more potent than it ever has been. Happy New Year my brother (and sister) in Christ; let’s keep our Aim at heaven!
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northern Missouri. He lives with his wife of 35-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a Lead Pastor (25+ years), police chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 