1. Lift Up Your Eyes

2. Introduction  The exhortation, “lift up your eyes,” in both its positive and negative forms, occurs 12x in the New American Standard Bible (Gen. 13:14; Deut. 3:27; 4:19; Isa. 40:26; 49:18; 51:6; 60:4; Jer. 3:2; 13:20; Ezek. 23:27; 33:25; John 4:35).  The related expression, “I will lift up my eyes,” occurs twice (Psa. 121:1; 123:1).

3. See God’s Promises  Abram was told, “Lift up your eyes…” and see the land that God has promised to your descendants (Gen. 13:14-18).  Jacob was told, “Lift up your eyes…” and return to the land of promise (Gen. 31:1-16).  Moses was told, “Lift up your eyes…” and look upon the land of promise (Deut. 3:23-29).

4. See God’s Glory  Israel was warned, “Beware not to lift up your eyes…” in worshipping idols or the host of heaven (Deut. 4:15-20).  Rather, they were commanded, “Lift up your eyes…” and worship the One True God, the Creator of heaven and earth (Isa. 40:21-26).

5. See God’s Blessings  Israel was told, “Lift up your eyes…” and see your deliverance (Isa. 49:14- 21).  They were instructed, “Lift up your eyes” and see your salvation (Isa. 51:4-8).  Moreover, they were exhorted, “Lift up your eyes…” and see His abundant blessings (Isa. 60:4-9).

6. See Your Iniquity  Judah was admonished, “Lift up your eyes...” and see your humiliation, acknowledge your iniquity, and repent (Jer. 3:1-14).  Again, “Lift up your eyes…” and see God’s impending judgment because of the magnitude of your iniquity (Jer. 13:20-27).

7. See Your Iniquity  Ezekiel warned God’s wayward people against lifting up their eyes to Egypt for deliverance (Ezek. 23:22-30).  Rather, they were urged to “Lift up your eyes…,” acknowledging their abominations and the inevitability of their coming desolation (Ezek. 33:23- 29).

8. See Your Purpose  Jesus said, “Lift up your eyes…,” see fields that are white unto harvest, and take your place among the laborers (John 4:31-38).

9. Conclusion  Among the songs of ascent, sung by ancient Israel as they came to worship at Jerusalem, are two significant to this study:  Psalm 121 says, “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (vv. 1-2). Believers should remember that the Lord is their protector.  Psalm 123 says, “To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!” (v. 1). Believers should remember that the Lord is their avenger.