Looking up – not pie in the sky - 27 September 2024

In my books, this is probably one of the most underrated passages of Scripture. These men are presumed to be angels, yet there is no fanfare – just a nonplussed, no fuss account of what took place after the ascension of Christ. I wish that they had provided more details for today’s audience as the disciples of that time had been privileged to have had many run-ins with angels.

Not too long before that, when the supernatural pierced the human realm, it left hardened Roman guards all shook up and like dead men. As with most angelic meetings with humans, the first thing the angel said to the women who came to Jesus’ tomb after that particular incident was, “Do not be afraid …”

“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified …” (Matthew 28:2-5)

If meeting with an angel for a brief moment is scary, can you imagine what it would be like to meet God in “person” someday? “Mind-blowing” has got nothing on it and is probably an understatement. But before we can enjoy the privilege of being in the presence of a holy God, we need to be fully committed to him and live in a way that pleases him. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

How will we do that? Before the day when every eye will see Jesus coming back in the sky, we have a race to run. And we had better keep our eyes peeled, and remain focused on Jesus’ Word in the interim. The picture I have in my mind’s eye is of disciples following Jesus so closely that they cannot gaze anywhere else. Without distraction, true disciples of Jesus follow him wherever He directs. “… And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1b-2 )

Additionally, we are exhorted to lift up our eyes and behold our Maker in times of trouble. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

Therefore, when we are going through a rough time, it may be better to look up or fix our eyes on Jesus. For starters, our focus is on the One who is able to help and in whom we can find shalom in the midst of trouble.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that we are able to look up to you at any time and get help. We praise you that Jesus defeated the spectre of death looming over us and have given us life to the full. Amen