LOOK UP | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 9, 1868

“LOOK UP.”

Yes, look up, brother, look up! Do you ask who bids you do so? It is the Lord. Do you ask again why? Because redemption is just at hand. The bowed head is the symbol of sorrow. The uplifted head is the posture of joy. You cannot look up without lifting up your heads. You cannot fail to do either now without being disobedient to the Lord. We have seen the signs which he predicted, and should cheerfully take the revealed position. For centuries the church of God has traveled her lonely path with her head bowed, and eyes cast downward toward the grave. But as if in expectation of a deliverer from the skies, she has buried her dead with their faces turned upward, and the eyes in the right direction,—up. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised and go sky-ward to meet Jesus. He is coming, and all should now take and keep the posture of expectancy, as they are bidden by the Master. It is the glorious privilege, as well as duty, of the last generation of Christians to live with their heads lifted up. It will be their privilege to stand at the judgment bar, meekly, but with their heads lifted up. It will be their happy privilege to march through the gates of the city of God with their heads lifted up. “Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” Ps. iii, 3.

He that refuses at the proper time to look up and lift up his head, and know that eternal redemption is at the door, is guilty of disregarding the express command of Jesus Christ. That time has come, and the light is so clear there is no excuse for the recreant. What a well of joy in trial, what a source of strength against sin, what a weapon of warfare against Satan, this belief would prove to the dear church of God everywhere, if she would but see and embrace it. The great heart of Christendom would be stirred with a mighty gladness; an exultant shout would go through the camp of the weary hosts; the enemy would tremble, and the multitude of believers would suddenly become engirded as with triumphant strength from the everlasting arms of the Almighty. Looking down begets weakness and a love of earth. Looking up inspires courage, and hope, and might, and indicates where the heart is gone, and around whom love and hope are entwined. Lift the drooping head, O weary watcher.

With strained eyes and with ears intent, catch the first signal of the trumpet blast. Look up, for lo it soundeth, and the bell on the chronometer of coming eternity is about to strike, ONE! To the last minute keep the HEAD UP!—World’s Crisis.