Heaven Shaking

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And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and waves, the people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:25-28. ESV
This morning I woke up and checked social media to see record of the largest mass shooting in USA, to date. I don't know what overcame me but tears instantly began running down my face. Anyone can attest to how emotional I am. If I am overcome with any emotion that isn't my neutral emotion, I cry. I cry hard. However, these recent disasters haven't led me to tears until today. Today, I found myself sobbing as I was having one of those "you've got to be kidding me" conversations with God. I felt like my cry was more of a Lamentation or a Psalm 86--crying for salvation.

As I was able to collect myself and head to class, I began thinking about this passage in Luke...about heaven shaking. Many people have used this passage recently to talk about the second coming--a good conversation but definitely for another time--however what sticks out to me is the heaven shaking. I like to get in this mindset where Heaven and Earth are on totally different spectrums: neither being affected by the other. Though this is partially true, this verse literally attests to our kingdom shaking. This passage tells us that our cries for help and our anguish shake Heaven.

I can think of a million reasons as to how other scriptures prove this true but my heart clings to the idea that the Lord feels what we feel and He sees the depths of our hearts. When we cry for help and salvation, the Lord feels those cries and mourns with us. His kingdom is shaken just as our earthly homes are. It's easy to sit back and see the devastation and give up. Pointing out the hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, mass shootings and declaring that the Lord has turned His head and wants us to fight this battle on our own. This is an easy assumption to make given the feeling of His absence.

However, the last portion of this passage states otherwise--redemption is near. I'll repeat that for you: redemption is near. Friend: take heart, take joy, take peace because the Lord has not left us to fend for ourselves. In fact, He has done quite the opposite. Y'all, the kingdom of Heaven is shaken, just as we are, and the Lord's heart has broken, just as ours has. BUT the Lord is near--not as in the second coming but rather He is in literal nearness. He sits with you, He cries with you, and He longs for peace with you. He sends His glory and redemption down for you to rejoice in His goodness in the land of the living, even in a time such as this.

So this is my prayer for you: shake Heaven and rejoice in redemption for the Lord is near.

In Christ,
Sydney

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