UNEARTHLY THINGâ—½ ENCOURAGEMENT
Until He Stands
by Angela Dolbear
This past holiday season, I noticed many homes in my neighborhood didn’t display their usual brightly lit seasonal decorations. Friends online seemed to lack cheer. Is the world in a sad place right now? Are people overwhelmed with discouragement?
Since my monthly column appears under the “Encouragement” section of this magazine, I want to take time (or THYME) to encourage you: look up, keep your eyes focused on the Lord.
I take encouragement seriously. There have been many times when someone’s hope-filled words have made a world of difference in my current outlook. I want to pass that precious gift on to others.
I have the privilege to write a monthly devotion for VinerWords.net. My recent submission looked at the times when Jesus sat down in the Bible.
I love it when I read a Bible verse that says, “Jesus sat…” because I like to envision what it’s like to sit there with Him.
Imagine sitting at His feet by the Sea of Galilee listening to His words of life, with the waves cresting on the shore, birds crying out, and the wind carrying the salty scent through the air—all things He created. That would be amazing.
Jesus sat to pray, teach, break bread with people, observe, and finally, He sat down in Heaven at the right hand of the Father when His ministry was finished.
It blows my mind that my Creator and Savior thought it a good thing to sit. I much prefer sitting to standing. It feels more like a posture that prepares me to ponder, pray, and receive, not to mention rest and trust in the Lord.
​
A few verses from my research caused me to pause and think. Jesus sat down “until” His enemies are made a footstool under His feet (see Hebrews 10:11-14). So, does “until” mean at some point, Jesus will rise and return to earth to get His people?
Another verse not only speaks of Jesus sitting down, but also refers to His place of preeminence and authority, “the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven (see Matthew 26:64).”
Is His “coming on the clouds of Heaven” referring to His “until”? How awesome that will be?! Can you imagine it? Does it encourage you? It makes my current troubles seem so small and momentary in the light of eternity.
I studied eschatology (a fancy word for the study of end-time events) when I was a student at Biola University, where I graduated with a hefty amount of Biblical studies. Still, I am by no means an expert on this topic. It was many years ago, so I am going to make a point of refreshing my memory on this topic and learning more about it.
The Bible tells us it’s only a short time before Jesus stands up from His throne to bring His people home. This is our future. It’s a promise from God. We can count on it happening. Will it be in our lifetime? Only God knows (I hope it does).
When things get hard or seem hopeless, remember to look up. Your Redeemer is near. Soon, He will stand up from His seat on His Heavenly throne. Until then, remember that Jesus is right here, close to us, living in our hearts as our Shepherd and Savior. How great is that!?
Blessings to you!
Angela Dolbear is the author of contemporary Christian novels, such as THE GARDEN KEY Series and THE TORMENTOR’S TALE, as well as many short stories. Her latest release, The Mid-Century Breakfast Club, is the fourth book in The Garden Tales series. Her novels are available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats. Angela writes real, relatable, and reverent fiction. She loves reading, writing prose, and writing and recording music in her studio in Nashville, TN—listen to her latest album STORMS on your favorite music streaming service. Please drop by and sign up for news, read the latest stories, and hear new original music at http://www.angeladolbear.com/subscribe.htm.