“As conditions in this world worsen, it is increasingly obvious that the greatest problem facing mankind is the question of human survival!” wrote Gerald Flurry. “War plagues our nations, and weapons of mass destruction are more dangerous than ever” (co-worker letter, Aug. 30, 2023).

The question of human survival, and the problems associated with it, worsen every day. That will continue until the return of Jesus Christ, whose intervention will prevent the complete annihilation of humanity.

“I am thankful the fall holy days are almost here,” Mr. Flurry continued. “In these dark times, we need the prophetic vision of these days: of Jesus Christ’s return, of Satan’s banishment, of God establishing His Kingdom on Earth, and of salvation being opened up to all men.”

The Feast of Trumpets signals the end of darkness. It is a day filled with vision, hope and positivity. We need this festival now to see beyond traumatic times ahead.

The soon-to-return Jesus knew this. On the Mount of Olives, shortly before He left Earth at the close of His first coming, He prophesied of the frightening events that will escalate and culminate in His Second Coming (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). But then He shared a vital and encouraging admonition: “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption [liberation, deliverance] draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).

World conditions will be so awful that men’s hearts will fail them for fear (verse 26). But all these terrifying things lead to something incredible: Christ’s return (verse 27). Until that day comes, we need to look up, and lift up our heads.

“This world is full of bad news. And it’s going to get worse,” Mr. Flurry wrote in Lesson 3 of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course. “Our challenge is to remain positive. If we have God’s perspective, we see everything differently.”

We have to be careful. It’s easy to hang our heads when difficulties break out. It’s easy to get caught up in calamities.

“God knows our human nature, so He is warning us not to do that. Don’t let this get you down, He tells us. Lift up your head because your redemption draws near! Jesus Christ is about to return! Don’t lose your hope or your positive attitude!” (ibid).

We are so close to Christ’s return. He is at the very door. This is the greatest news imaginable. And in the face of bad news, we must
remember that.

This is not easy. When we see our nations capitulate to evil so readily, it can be difficult to stomach. But if we have God’s perspective, we see everything differently.

“Would you go around in open despair, downcast and crestfallen because of what’s happening to your land? It would certainly be difficult not to. But God says, No! No! Don’t do that! Lift up your heads! This is good news!” (ibid).

The key is to connect world events to the return of Christ! When we do that, we see that God is in control.

As the storm builds, we must be in a positive frame of mind to maintain our motivation to do God’s Work. “[I]t’s all leading to good news, so don’t let it get you down. Lift up your head. Because if we don’t lift up our heads, we’re not going to fulfill the commission God has given us to do! We’ll be too discouraged. We must be a positive people if we are going to understand what’s happening on this Earth and still have God’s urgency to finish His Work” (ibid).

Many things help us stay positive. But in Luke 21:28, Christ gets specific, drawing our attention to the events of the Feast of Trumpets. We must look up, lift our heads and be encouraged by what will be fulfilled on this day. Verse 27 tells us “the Son of man [is] coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” That is the greatest news imaginable. He will fight the war to end all wars. Six thousand years of man ruling over man will end. The way of peace will be established forever. Verse 31 explains that “the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” Christ will return and take over the throne of Earth. An everlasting kingdom will be established. Righteous rule will prevail from this point forward. And if we do our part, we will “stand before the Son of man” (verse 36).

In these statements, Christ is helping us lift up our heads.

“The resurrection of the elect will occur at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, when He returns to rule over all nations as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Then those who have received and kept God’s Holy Spirit during their mortal lifetime will be resurrected to immortality and will inherit Christ’s world-ruling Kingdom” (Lesson 32).

On this day, we will be reunited with loved ones who died in the faith. On this day, we will meet our fellow firstfruits from history. And on this day, we will meet our beloved Husband, Jesus Christ. From this day forward, we will be with Him forever, ruling in God’s everlasting Kingdom. That is a reason to lift up your heads.