As the temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change somehow the color of the sky seems richer with the light blue skies of summer giving way to the almost cobalt blues of fall. Perhaps it is the contrast of the yellow foliage against an azure sky that provides such an arresting view on those crisp autumn days. Whatever it is, the October sky always stood out to me as one of the more beautiful times to gaze up into the heavens.
I wonder if 178 years ago the pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist church thought the same. The anticipation of the second advent must have brought many eyes up to look upward as God’s people hoped to be the first to spot the returning King.
Of course Jesus did not return to earth as so many Christians expected, but on the 22nd day of October 1844 Jesus did begin something new: the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary. That work occurred beyond the sight of mortal men but it happened nonetheless. In fact it continueseven now as Jesus carefully considers the response of His people to the good news of the gospel. Someday very soon it will conclude and Jesus will ready His return to the earth that has been so long in coming. Until then should we not keep looking up?
The earth itself with all of its stories is waxing old like a garment and the final events are weaving together the final picture of history. Jesus asks us to remember to look up as we consider the meaning of fulfilled prophecies. He says:
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28
As you gaze up into the blue October skies that seem so crisp and colorful remember that very soon the sign of the Son of Man will be seen, very soon Jesus will return with all of heaven and on that day the sky will be more beautiful than it has ever been. On that day all of our pains, sorrow, and sufferings will fade as Jesus triumphantly returns. Yes fall is upon us, but in the October sky we can remember the long awaited hope of our forefathers: a hope that is about to be realized. Keep looking up because very soon you will see Jesus.
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