Heads UP!

At first, I thought these ducks were “nodding off,” but they were paddling their way through the early morning mist fishing with their heads down.

Interestingly, there were no apparent “lookouts” to warn of predators. Their vulnerability reminded me of the Bible story of Gideon, who watched his potential army recruits quench their thirst in a river. Some dipped their faces into the stream. Others drank from their hands so that they could pay attention to their surroundings and not be ambushed. He chose his army from the observant and aware and sent the others home.

We live in an era when we need to be constantly cognizant of potential harm and to be alert for enemies that plot to destroy our bodies and our spirits. Are we thoughtful and protective against these sometimes subtle assailants as well as our personal weaknesses? What is going to catch us unaware?

Once when speaking about “last times,” Jesus gave his disciples clues for recognizing when that time will approach. (Read Luke 21). He also gave them (and therefore us) crucial advice for contemporary living. He told them not to be caught sitting complacently without knowing God and His redemption:

“…Stand and look up, for your salvation is near!…Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear…Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware like a trap…..Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21)

We all know that our earthly lives are time limited. We will experience a last time. We may work our way through this life with heads down never seeking the source of life and the Promiser of everlasting life, never looking to the heavens from whence comes our help, and oblivious to or denying what is ahead,

But…

if his words are true, there is every reason to check out Jesus and what he has to offer.