Devotionals

Hey, Reader A Word 001

by Samuel Dumas 
09/19/19
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Hey, Reader…a Word?  001

Luke 21:28 “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

The beauty of this verse really shines when we take the meaning that the author of the verse meant for the keywords in it.
 
Look up= contextually(within this verse particularly): to be elated, exalted.

Lift up= to lift up, raise up, raise on high (i.e. of a timid and sorrowful, recovering spirit),

Heads= the head.

Redemption= contextually (within this verse particularly): deliverance from the hatred and persecutions of enemies by Christ’s return from heaven.

Draweth= I come near, approach.

Elate = To bear, carry out; deliver up. Other commentators: self-satisfaction over one's accomplishments or qualities (or over God’s accomplishments at the time of the end.)

Beauty= (in general) that which exalts.

Exaltation= literally: to grow tall.

Excite= to move, stir up, instigate, rouse, call out, summon forth, produce.
 
If we do not see the elation in us re: this approach, then it is because we are not looking up with the meaning of the word in this command, and by faith seeking Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary. If we read, keep and hear the import of these words, then we would be in exaltation—We would be growing inwardly in grace, wisdom and kindness, and growing collectively as surely as the apostolic church grew.

We would deliver for God: Dan 12:3 and10, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” + “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

Wise= contextually (within this verse particularly): teacher

But if we sit in on lesson studies, and our excitement does not show in the discussion; if we do not teach each other, then we have not heard the command within this command, and are not producing the real gospel—even here in the relative safety of the brethren. The love for God is here, but what about the command to look up in the special way the author meant it, not our modern interpretation of it. The spirit, I’m sure, adds a depth to this elation with ‘groans which cannot be uttered.’ Let us each stir our souls more with the ancient words and meanings. Let us get that old time excitement from every command that proceedeth from the Master. Let us grow taller in this last final business of knowing and teaching the gospel.

—Dumas fils