p. 3 | LOOK UP | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 7, 1889

LOOK UP.

THE Lord does not want people to look down. If they do, like Bunyan's man with the muck rake, they will see only the straws, the sticks, and the rubbish of earth, and not the crown that is above them. God is in Heaven; but that which is of the earth is earthy. By beholding we become changed. So then if we look down, we become groveling in our disposition; if we look up, we may behold the glory of the Lord, and be changed into the same image. Here is an argument against despondency. The discouraged, despondent man hangs his head. But when he does that he can see only himself, and so he adds to his despondency. Not only so, but by beholding only that which is imperfect, he becomes more and more assimilated to that which is imperfect. Satan makes an easy prey of the doubting, despondent man. How much better to say with the psalmist: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Ps. 121: 1, 2. Besides this we are expressly enjoined to look up at this time. After speaking of the signs of his coming, Christ said: "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21: 28. Who are living so that they can daily rejoice in hope of the glory of God?